Pope Leo XIV made headlines during his first trip abroad with a unique American moment. Onboard the papal plane to Turkey, he received a special gift: a baseball bat that once belonged to Hall of Fame player Nellie Fox, a Chicago White Sox legend.
Chris Livesay, a CBS News correspondent, presented the bat. It was a family heirloom from his cousin and sparked a joyful moment between the pope and journalists. Pope Leo joked, “How did you get this through security?” playing to the crowd’s laughter before expressing gratitude for the thoughtful gift. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, other journalists also brought treats like pumpkin and pecan pies, sharing warm wishes with the pope.
As the flight began, the pope wished his American companions a happy Thanksgiving, stressing the importance of truthful journalism. His trip aimed to promote unity and peace in a world often divided by faith.
Upon landing in Ankara, the tone shifted to formality and diplomacy. After being warmly welcomed at the airport, Pope Leo participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ataturk Mausoleum. He also signed the Book of Honor, a gesture acknowledging the founder of the Turkish Republic, reflecting on the historical bond between countries.
The pope’s journey included a significant stop in Istanbul, tied to the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a key event that shaped early Christianity. This 325 A.D. meeting, called by Roman Emperor Constantine I, established essential doctrines and set the date for Easter.
Pope Leo’s visit also comes at a crucial time for Lebanon, which is grappling with deep political and economic issues. Just days before his arrival, a notable Hezbollah commander was killed in a strike, illustrating the region’s ongoing tensions. During his time in Lebanon, the pope plans to support local Christian communities and call for peace and coexistence among different faiths.
This trip highlights not just the pope’s role as a religious leader, but also as a figure advocating for peace and empathy in troubled times. It emphasizes how moments of connection, even through gifts and shared traditions, can help bridge divides.
In contrast to historical papal visits, which often focused strictly on spiritual matters, Pope Leo’s approach blends tradition with a pressing commitment to address current social issues, making his message more relevant than ever.
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Turkey, Pope Leo XIV
