Pope Leo XIV smiles to the faithful and pilgrims during his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, Vatican, in June. Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto/Getty Images Rome —

Pope Leo XIV begins a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon on Thursday, his first foreign trip since his election and one on which he’s expected to emphasize key themes of his fledgling pontificate – among them dialogue and unity.

Overseas trips are an important part of the papacy’s “soft power,” offering an opportunity for the pope to meet political leaders of his host country, address the local Catholic community and focus international media attention on regional issues.

By going to Lebanon, Leo is flying into the heart of a conflict-ridden Middle East, and he is due in Beirut just days afte

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