Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, chose the Middle East for his inaugural overseas visit, signaling a strong commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace. During his time in Turkiye and Lebanon, he addressed complex political and social issues, emphasizing unity among religions and supporting efforts to resolve conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and the war in Ukraine. His symbolic gestures, including visiting the Blue Mosque and praying at the Beirut port explosion site, highlighted the shared humanity that transcends religious differences. The pope's approach underscores the importance of understanding and accepting differences through dialogue, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence in an increasingly divided world.