(MENAFN) Beginning his trip to Türkiye, Pope Leo XIV underscored the urgent need for global unity and peace, expressing optimism that his presence would help draw renewed attention to these universal ideals.

Traveling aboard a plane arranged by a national airline, the pontiff met with a large group of journalists accompanying the journey. He shared his enthusiasm about the visit, explaining that he had long looked forward to it because of its wider significance for Christians and for people around the world.

As he spoke about his scheduled stops in Türkiye and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his commitment to stressing the value of peace for humanity as a whole. He encouraged people everywhere to work collectively toward this goal, noting that—even with varied faiths and beliefs—human beings remain deeply interconnected. His hope, he added, is to support efforts that foster unity and promote lasting peace across the globe.

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