Pope Leo XIV's inaugural trip: Türkiye for historic celebration
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV granted an audience to media representatives for the first time. Among the many questions posed to him, one concerned his first international trip. The Pope revealed where and when he plans to go.
What do you need to know?
- Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected Pope on May 8 in the fourth round of voting during the conclave. He took the name Leo XIV.
- On Monday, the new Pope granted an audience for the first time to representatives of the world’s media and Vatican experts.
- During the audience, he revealed that his first international trip will be to Türkiye.
What are Pope Leo XIV’s plans for the trip to Türkiye?
During his audience in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV confirmed that he is preparing for a trip to Türkiye. The visit is related to the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which took place in the town of İznik, formerly known as Nicaea.
The previous head of the Church, Pope Francis, had planned this trip for the end of May.
Will Pope Leo XIV visit the United States?
When asked if he would soon go to the United States, where he is from, he briefly answered: "I don’t think so."
He confessed that he is pleased that the number of worshippers attending services at the cathedral in his hometown of Chicago has grown since his election.
During the meeting with journalists, Pope Leo XIV, who has been playing tennis for years, was also encouraged to organize a charity tennis tournament.
Upon hearing that journalists could invite Andre Agassi, Leo XIV responded jokingly: "Just don't bring Sinner." It was a play on words. The name of the Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, who is number one in the world, means "sinner" in English.
