Pope Leo to kick off tour in Istanbul

First trip abroad since assuming post

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Pope Leo is set to embark on his first trip outside Italy as the leader of the Catholic Church today, travelling to Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the region and urge unity among long-divided Christian churches.

Leo, the first US pope, will give his first speeches to foreign governments and visit some sensitive cultural sites as part of a crowded itinerary during the Nov 27 to Dec 2 trip.

His predecessor Pope Francis had planned to visit both countries but was unable to because of his worsening health. Francis died on April 21 and Leo, originally from Chicago, was elected pope on May 8 by the world’s cardinals.

“A pope's first foreign trip is an opportunity to capture and hold the world’s attention,” said John Thavis, a retired Vatican correspondent who covered three papacies.

“What's at stake for Pope Leo is his ability to connect with a wider audience, in a region where war and peace, humanitarian needs and interfaith dialogue are crucial issues,” he said.