Lenten campaign 2026
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After praying the midday Angelus this December 7, Pope Leo noted his return last week from his first apostolic visit, which brought him to Turkey and Lebanon.
Full, visible unity
He said:
A few days ago I returned from my first Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon. With my beloved brother Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and the Representatives of other Christian confessions, we gathered to pray together in Iznik, the site of the ancient city of Nicea, where 1,700 years ago, the first Ecumenical Council took place.
Today is the 60th anniversary of the Common Declaration between Pope Paul VI and the Patriarch Athenagoras, which put an end to the mutual excommunications. We give thanks to God and renew our dedication to journeying towards the full visible unity of all Christians.
In Türkiye I had the joy of meeting the Catholic community: through patient dialogue and service to those who suffer, they witness to the Gospel of love and the logic of God who manifests himself in littleness.
They who comforted me
Regarding the second stage of the trip, Leo spoke of this part of the visit as "comforting":
Lebanon continues to be a mosaic of coexistence and it comforted me to hear many testimonies in this regard. I met people who announce the Gospel by welcoming refugees, visiting the imprisoned, and sharing food with those in need. I was comforted by the sight of so many people in the street who came to greet me. And I was likewise touched by the meeting with the relatives of the victims of the explosion in the port of Beirut.
The Lebanese people were waiting for a word and a presence of consolation, but it was they who comforted me with their faith and their enthusiasm! I thank everyone who accompanied me with their prayers!
Peace is possible!
Leo said that the events of the trip remind us that "peace is possible":
Dear brothers and sisters, all that has happened in these recent days in Türkiye and Lebanon teaches us that peace is possible, and that Christians in dialogue with men and women of other faiths and cultures can contribute to building it up. Let us not forget that peace is possible!
You can read coverage of the trip here.
