The visit of Pope Leo XIV to Turkiye and Lebanon, which begins on Thursday, is considered by all Italian analysts to be of exceptional importance. 
A visit that was initially planned by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the late Pope Francis to commemorate the seventeen hundredth anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. 
The death of the "pope of the poor" last April plunged the Roman Catholic Church into mourning and the entire initiative was postponed. With his decision to follow up on this extremely important move, Leo XIV is now showing that the unity of Christians and the dialogue with the Primate of Orthodoxy are - for him too - a major priority. They will travel to Nice together with representatives of the Protestants and will meet at the Ecumenical Patriarchate where the new Pontiff will mark the feast of Saint Andrew.
As the Pope stated to ANA-MPA, "a few days ago, the Catholic Church published an apostolic letter, which speaks precisely about the importance of the unity of Christians, which can also be a source of peace for the whole world." 
"Our Christian testimony is needed," added the American pope, while, referring to the Ecumenical Patriarch, he emphasized: "with Bartholomew we have already met on other occasions and I believe that this will be an excellent opportunity to promote the unity of all Christians."
The Holy Father of Catholics believes that new substantial steps can and must be taken towards the complete unity of Christians. He also believes that in this way a tangible, useful example can be given to the entire world. An example of unity and reconciliation.