Lebanon (MNN) — In a world longing for hope and unity, intentional acts that bring people together matter deeply.
The Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo XIV, plans to visit Türkiye and Lebanon at the end of November. He’s expected to focus on peace, meet with regional leaders, and encourage Christians.
Pierre Houssney from Horizons International says, “It means a lot to the region — both to Christians, especially, but also to Muslims.”
Istanbul, Turkiye (Representative stock photo courtesy of Tools Dianellos via Unsplash)
Many Muslims see the West as Christian and in conflict with them, but this visit helps show a different picture. “Muslims realize the Church is different from Western governments,” says Houssney.
While in Türkiye, the Pope will mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea — an important church gathering that articulated core Christian beliefs. The Council affirmed the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, and other key doctrines.
Houssney says, “The Nicene Creed itself represents something that brings together all Christians from all different denominations! It’s something that unites us in the essential doctrines of Christianity that we can all agree on.”
The Pope’s stop in Türkiye also highlights the country’s deep historical significance in Christianity. When the Bible mentions “Asia” or “Asia Minor,” it’s referring to regions that are actually part of present-day Türkiye.
Pope Leo XIV (Photo courtesy of Edgar Beltrán via Wikimedia Commons)
Then, his visit to war-torn Lebanon offers an example of peacemaking. “It’s significant regionally asbeing the country with the highest percentage of Christians in the region, and also because of its strategic importance for the world of missions,” Houssney explains.
He adds, “When the Pope comes personally and visits in peace, he’s actually separating himself from that whole industry of war.”
Finally, the trip encourages believers and minorities in both Türkiye and Lebanon. “The more we can support these local churches, the more the Gospel can go out in word and deed and make an impact in this generation,” says Houssney.
Pray for the unity of believers worldwide — especially in the face of wars, economic challenges, and natural disasters — so that they may bring hope to communities in need.
Visit Horisons International to learn how you can help more!
Header photo: Byblos, Lebanon (courtesy of Serje Lahoud via Unsplash).
