Pope Leo XIV announces first foreign trip to Turkey
Pope Leo XIV granted an audience to the media for the first time on Monday. Among the questions he was asked was one about his first foreign trip, during which the Pope revealed the destination and timing of his travel plans.
What do you need to know?
- Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope on May 8 in the fourth vote during the conclave. He then took the name Leo XIV.
- On Monday, the new pope gave his first audience to representatives of the global media and Vatican experts.
- During the audience, he revealed that his first foreign trip will be to Turkey.
What are Pope Leo XIV's plans for the trip to Turkey?
Pope Leo XIV confirmed during the Vatican audience that he is preparing for a trip to Turkey. The visit is associated with the celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which was held in the town of Iznik, 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 plans to travel soon to the United States, where he is from, he responded briefly: "I don't think so."
He expressed satisfaction that the number of believers attending the cathedral in his hometown of Chicago has increased since his election.
During the meeting with journalists, Pope Leo XIV, who has been playing tennis for years, was encouraged to organize a charity tennis tournament.
Upon hearing that journalists might invite Andre Agassi, Leo XIV reacted jokingly: "Just don't bring Sinner." It was a play on words. The name of the Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, who is ranked number one in the world, means 'sinner' in English.
