Pope Leo XIV

The world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing, or eliminating our brothers and sisters.

Rather, it is saved by tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate, and welcome everyone without calculation and without fear.

Shortly after taking off from Rome, Pope Leo XIV came to greet the journalists on board.

Buongiorno a tutti.

Bene.

To the Americans here, happy Thanksgiving.

It's a wonderful day to celebrate.

The first stop is Turkey, where he'll meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an opportunity to smooth relations with the leader who in 2020 turned the Hagia Sophia heritage site, important for Christians and Muslims, into a mosque.

And Leo will travel to Iznik, where 1,700 years ago, the Council of Nicaea developed the fundamental Christian creed still recited by Christians of different denominations today.

Pope Leo said he hopes this trip inspires all people to greater unity and harmony.

Ruth Sherlock, NPR News, Ankara, Turkey.

To say thank you to someone, to recognize that we all have received so many gifts.

First and foremost, the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of unity.

I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.

I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.

I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.

I was chosen...

I was chosen...

I was chosen...

without any merit of my own. And now, with fear and trembling, I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God's love. For he wants us all to be united in one family.