His schedule is expected to be demanding, with meetings planned with senior religious and political leaders. In Ankara, the Pope will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing issues affecting Turkey’s 36,000 Christians. The Pope’s arrival in Lebanon comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly between Israel and armed group Hezbollah, which has a strong presence in Lebanon. Vatican officials say the destinations were chosen to underscore Leo’s call for stability in the Middle East and continued efforts to advance peace in Ukraine.