Thanksgiving Weekend in Turkey: An American Pope’s Journey to Lebanon

Thanksgiving Weekend in Turkey: An American Pope’s Journey to Lebanon

On Sunday morning, we received word that the Vatican’s chartered Airbus 320, which had transported Pope Leo XIV, his team, and eighty journalists to Turkey on Thanksgiving Day, was cleared for travel following a successful software upgrade.

Our flight to Lebanon is confirmed, and the excitement is palpable.

As a seasoned reporter for Fox News, I have covered nearly a dozen papal trips. Yet, just four days into Pope Leo’s inaugural international journey, the experience stands out markedly—perhaps a nod to the iconic Thanksgiving pie.

Speaking of pies, during our flight from Rome, a colleague brought along a pecan pie that filled the cabin with an irresistible aroma. Behind me, two others presented our Chicago-born pope with homemade pumpkin pies. Pope Leo’s joy was unmistakable. While our Thanksgiving meal wasn’t extravagant, it was served with elegance, featuring a thoughtful menu, real silverware, and cloth napkins.

Pope Leo XIV’s Mission in the Middle East

Fast forward to Saturday night, after three intensely packed days, we gathered for a Mass in Istanbul, which drew a crowd of approximately 4,000. This event provided a rare opportunity for Turkey’s small Catholic community to come together. Historically, this community has dwindled; over a million Christians, particularly Armenians, suffered genocide during World War I under the Ottoman Empire. Today, Catholics represent merely 0.2 percent of Turkey’s population of 85 million, predominantly Muslim.

Sitting next to me was my colleague Elise Harris, who had the distinction of conducting the first interview with Pope Leo. As a woman and an American, her selection was groundbreaking and noteworthy; she also baked one of those stunning pumpkin pies. When Pope Leo passed us, surrounded by a swirl of incense, he offered a subtle nod and blessed us with the sign of the cross—a truly remarkable moment.

During his homily, the pope frequently returned to the urgent themes of peace and unity, echoing sentiments he previously expressed in Ankara with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and later in Istanbul alongside Jewish leaders. He also attended events in Iznik, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea.

After his meeting with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, a significant figure in the global Orthodox community, Pope Leo signed a joint declaration aimed at fostering Christian unity.

Advocating for Unity Across Faiths

Pope Leo emphasized not only the importance of unity among Christians but also with followers of other religions. “We live in a world where religion is often misused to justify conflicts and atrocities,” he remarked. “It is essential that we recognize our shared values by dismantling barriers of prejudice and mistrust and strive to be peacemakers in our communities.”

The moment was poignant, underscoring his vision for a more united world in the face of significant challenges.

A Controversial Figure Not Welcomed

A notable absence from Pope Leo’s engagements in Iznik was Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turkish man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981. Released from prison in 2010 after serving sentences in both Italy and Turkey, Agca now lives in Iznik but was not permitted to meet the current pope. He had previously expressed a desire to encounter Pope Leo for a brief conversation but was ultimately escorted out of the area.

This incident brings to mind the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, which aimed to reconcile tensions that arose from a controversial speech he made in Germany, referencing a historical comment about Islam. His presence at the Blue Mosque marked a significant moment in interfaith dialogue and reconciliation.

Reflecting on the Past

During that trip, a colleague excitedly proclaimed, “The pope is praying!” Indeed, many in the press found the significance of such gestures difficult to encapsulate within the confines of brief news reports.

In 2014, Pope Francis visited the same mosque and openly prayed, leading many to assume that Pope Leo would follow suit. However, during our time in the Blue Mosque, we observed that he maintained silence, showing respect for the sacred space without explicitly engaging in prayer.

Later, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that Pope Leo’s visit was conducted in silence, embodying a spirit of reflection and respect for those engaged in prayer. This approach resonated deeply with the essence of this humble 70-year-old leader.

Pope Leo’s first message after his election was a hopeful one: “Peace be with you.” Yet, as he sets forth into the complexities of the Middle East, it remains to be seen how his calls for unity and fraternity will resonate in a region often marked by conflict and division.

A Hopeful Future

As the journey from Turkey to Lebanon unfolds, the global community watches with anticipation. Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace and unity offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. His mission may represent an essential step toward healing divisions and fostering dialogue across different faiths and cultures.

In an era filled with challenges, his message might inspire many to overcome prejudices and strive for a more harmonious existence.