Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Turkey and Lebanon: A Landmark Moment for the Chaldean People
Pope Leo XIV’s historic apostolic journey to
Turkey and Lebanon has become one of the most significant moments for the Chaldean Catholic Church in modern times. The visit, rich in symbolism and engagement, highlighted the ancient indigenous roots of the Chaldean people in Mesopotamia, the hardships faced by Chaldean refugees, and the central leadership role of Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako and other Chaldean bishops.
Across three countries, multiple liturgies, state meetings, and ecumenical gatherings, the Chaldean Church stood prominently alongside the Holy Father, both as a guardian of ancient Christian identity and as a community seeking renewed hope in the Middle East.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey on November 27, 2025, where he was welcomed in Ankara by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Palace Library. The meeting included leading Christian figures:
- Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako (Chaldean Catholic Church)
- Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan (Syriac Catholic Church)
- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I
- Ministers, diplomats, and religious leaders
The Pope emphasized the historic role of Christians in Turkey and the desire to strengthen coexistence, peace, and justice. For Chaldeans, who are indigenous to the Mesopotamian regions of southeastern Turkey, the visit was a powerful reminder that their presence, heritage, and contributions remain recognized at the highest global level.
Although the Chaldean population in Turkey is small today, their roots stretch back thousands of years. Pope Leo’s acknowledgment of all Eastern rites in Turkey: including Armenians, Syriacs, and Chaldeans by name, was a deeply meaningful moment.
On November 29, Pope Leo XIV presided over a major Divine Liturgy at Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul as part of his pilgrimage to İznik (Nicaea) for the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.
Patriarch Sako concelebrated the Mass and presented the Holy Father with an Eastern cross, symbolizing unity between Rome and the Eastern Catholic Churches.
A Chaldean choir participated in the liturgy, offering hymns from the ancient Chaldean-Aramaic tradition, one of the oldest continuously spoken Christian languages in the world.
On November 30, Patriarch Sako celebrated Mass at the Chaldean Parish of Istanbul, assisted by Bishop Sabri Anar and local clergy. In his homily, he reflected on the hope and renewal brought by the Pope’s presence, comparing it to the angelic message of encouragement to Zechariah.
After the liturgy, Patriarch Sako and Bishop Anar traveled to Lebanon to continue accompanying the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV in Lebanon: A Major Moment for Chaldean Refugees
Lebanon hosts a substantial Chaldean and Iraqi Christian refugee population. Many have fled war, ISIS persecution, economic collapse, and the instability that has rocked Iraq since 2003.
On November 30, Patriarch Sako: along with Bishops Michel Kassarji, Sabri Anar, and Archdeacon Raphael Traboulsi, joined the welcoming delegation receiving Pope Leo XIV at Beirut International Airport.
The Pope then proceeded to Baabda Palace, where he was received by Lebanon’s top leadership, before attending a private gathering of Eastern Catholic patriarchs at Bkerke, led by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rai.
On the second day of the visit, December 2, Patriarch Sako celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Chaldean Archdiocese of Beirut, accompanied by Bishops Kassarji and Anar, Archdeacon Traboulsi, and clergy.
At noon, he visited the Armenian Catholic Monastery of Bzommar to honor the relics of the newly canonized Saint Ignatius Maloyan, before joining the Pope and the Eastern patriarchs at the Papal Embassy in Harissa for a fraternal meal.
Later in the afternoon, Chaldean clergy and faithful participated in an ecumenical gathering at Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut alongside Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, and Druze leaders.
At 6:00 p.m., Chaldean youth, both Lebanese and Iraqi, joined a massive youth gathering with the Holy Father.
Miss Mira Kassargi represented Chaldean youth at the regional APECL jeunes organization, standing before the Pope and renewing the youth’s commitment to peace and unity.
On December 3, Patriarch Sako, joined by Bishop Sabri Anar, Archdeacon Traboulsi, and Deacons Danny Sheba and Nabil Riad, participated in the solemn Papal Mass on the Beirut waterfront. Tens of thousands filled the squares and streets leading to the altar.
That evening, Patriarch Sako appeared on Tele Lumiere, Noursat during the program “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” speaking about the Pope’s message of hope for Christians in the region.
He later met with an American Chaldean delegation participating in the papal events, offering his paternal blessing and checking on their well-being.
For the Chaldean people, an ancient Mesopotamian Christian nation spanning Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and the global diaspora, Pope Leo XIV’s journey was more than a diplomatic tour. It was a profound moment of recognition, unity, and spiritual encouragement.
Through liturgies, meetings, and encounters with clergy, youth, refugees, and community leaders, the Chaldean Church stood at the heart of the papal visit.
And for a people who have endured displacement, violence, and demographic pressure, this visit served as a reminder:
The Chaldeans are still here! Still praying, still singing in Aramaic, and still rooted in the land of their ancestors!
