ROME, Italy — Shortly after the plane took off from Rome towards Ankara, Pope Leo XIV came to greet the press on board. "Buongiorno a tutti," he said. "And to the Americans here: happy Thanksgiving! It's a wonderful day to celebrate."

This is the first foreign trip for Leo, the first American pope, since he was chosen for the papacy in May this year. Being faced with more than 80 journalists from over 15 countries, ready to report his every word and move, could seem daunting. But the pope seemed to take the situation in his stride.

He spoke with enthusiasm about his mission during this six day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, in which he aims to encourage world leaders to commit to trying to bring peace. "We hope to announce, transmit, proclaim how important peace is throughout the world and

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