This year, the first American Thanksgiving dinner is taking place at Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s summer residence outside of Rome.

On Nov. 25, Pope Leo XIV spoke with NBC News’ Molly Hunter , sharing what he hopes people in the U.S. will keep in mind as they observe the holiday.

“I would encourage all people, especially with this beautiful feast that we have in the United States, which unites all people, people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith, but to say thank you to someone, to recognize that we all have received so many gifts, first and foremost, the gift of life,” he said.

The pope spoke outside of Castel Gandolfo — his summer residence just ouside Rome — before his first trip abroad to Turkey and Lebanon, where he will meet with political

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