In a significant diplomatic foray, Pope Leo XIV has commenced his first foreign pontifical journey, a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and Christian unity. The newly elected Pontiff, the first born in the Americas, arrived in Ankara on Thursday, immediately plunging into a delicate geopolitical landscape. His itinerary, which prioritizes bridge-building in a conflict-ridden region, signals a clear focus for his papacy, directly confronting what he termed a "third world war fought piecemeal." The Pope’s agenda is both politically nuanced and rich with historical symbolism. Following a ceremonial welcome by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pope Leo paid respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, underscoring his message of peace to the secular Turkish state. In discussions with Turkish officials, he emphasized the nation's potential as a cultural bridge and warned against a "globalization of indifference," urging President Erdoğan to "act as a source of stability" amid global tensions. "The future of humanity is at stake," the Pope asserted, framing his visit as a counterweight to escalating international conflict. The spiritual climax of the Turkish leg occurs today in the ancient city of Iznik, historically known as Nicaea. There, Pope Leo will join Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity, for a common Ecumenical prayer. This event, broadcast live from an archaeological dig at the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. That foundational gathering of over 200 bishops in 325 AD produced the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. Their joint prayer in this unprecedented setting is a potent gesture toward healing the Great Schism of 1054, which split Christianity into Eastern and Western branches. Observers note that the Pope’s choice of destination defied initial speculation of a trip to the U.S. or Peru, instead embracing a challenging itinerary planned by his predecessor. By inserting himself into a "war-torn and deeply divided zone," Pope Leo XIV, described as measured and cautious, is subjecting his diplomatic skills to an early and severe test. The visit presents a powerful image of the Catholic and Orthodox churches functioning as a "spiritual compass in turbulent times." After his engagements in Turkey, including a visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque and a pastoral stop, the Pontiff will proceed to Lebanon, where recent Israeli airstrikes in Beirut underscore the urgent need for his message of peace.