Turkey is preparing its most historic religious and cultural sites as Pope Leo makes his first international trip since becoming leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church.br br From the newly rediscovered Basilica of Saint Neophytos—believed to be the site of Christianity’s First Ecumenical Council 1,700 years ago—to Istanbul’s iconic Blue Mosque, Turkey is ready to welcome the new pontiff on his four-day visit.br br Key highlights of the visit include visit to the Basilica of Saint Neophytos in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), joint events with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, tour of Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, Holy Mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, and a meeting with President Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.br br Pope Leo’s journey continues a tradition once planned by Pope Francis, who was unable to travel due to declining health before his death in April.br br This historic visit marks a new chapter for Catholic-Orthodox relations, interfaith dialogue, and the preservation of Christianity’s earliest foundations.