Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first overseas journey as Catholic leader, traveling to Turkey and Lebanon amid heightened regional tensions. In Turkey, he will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and address issues of interfaith dialogue, especially with the Muslim majority, while also marking the anniversary of the historic Church council that produced the Nicene Creed. His visit comes at a time when relations between Israel and neighboring countries are strained, and the ceasefire in Lebanon is increasingly fragile. The pope is expected to call for peace, unity among Christian churches, and compassion for refugees, continuing the legacy of his predecessor. In Lebanon, where Christians make up a significant portion of the population, leaders hope his presence will draw international attention to the country's ongoing challenges.