Day 1 – Thursday, November 27, 2025: Arrival in Istanbul

  • Pope Leo XIV arrives in Istanbul International Airport.
  • Official welcome ceremony by Turkish state officials and church representatives.
  • Evening rest at the Apostolic Nunciature in Istanbul.


Day 2 – Friday, November 28, 2025: Ecumenical Encounters

  • Morning: Visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (Fener Rum Patrikhanesi).
  • Joint prayer with Patriarch Bartholomew I, emphasizing Catholic–Orthodox unity.
  • Afternoon: Interfaith meeting with leaders of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities in Istanbul.
  • Evening: Reflection and vespers service at a historic church in Istanbul.


Day 3 – Saturday, November 29, 2025: Diplomacy & Cultural Heritage

  • Morning: Meeting with Turkish government officials in Ankara (possible short trip, then return to Istanbul).
  • Afternoon: Cultural visit to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, underlining Istanbul’s role as a bridge of civilizations.
  • Evening: Reception hosted by Turkish authorities.


Day 4 – Sunday, November 30, 2025: Feast of Saint Andrew

  • Morning: Solemn Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George (Fener).
  • Celebration of the Feast of Saint Andrew, patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
  • Joint declaration on Christian unity.
  • Afternoon: Closing ceremony and farewell message.
  • Evening: Departure from Istanbul back to Rome.

✨ Why This Program Matters
This four-day Istanbul itinerary reflects:

  • A commitment to Christian unity (meeting Bartholomew I).
  • A focus on interfaith dialogue with Muslim and Jewish leaders.
  • Recognition of Istanbul’s heritage sites as crossroads of faith.
  • A symbolic message of peace, diplomacy, and cultural respect.