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Crowd braves rain to flock to Pope Leo's mass in Istanbul

On Saturday, November 29, Pope Leo XIV presided over Mass at the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul and urged the faithful during the Advent season to reflect on three bonds of unity, invoking the three bridges crossing the Bosphorus Strait.
Framing the visit as historic, attendees said Pope Leo XIV's trip conveyed peace and reconciliation to Christians in Türkiye and noted the ecumenical prayer service at Iznik for the Council of Nicaea commemoration.
Volunteers and pilgrims came from across Türkiye and abroad, including Nicholas and Yigit Bilge who wore papal hoodies, a schoolteacher who flew from 16 hours away, and Can Sancar with his group of 10.
Many attendees described the visit as a special blessing that brought hope and a message of love, with Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Syriac, and Orthodox participants glad to unite.
Emphasizing coexistence, speakers urged Christians to love their neighbours and live alongside people of different beliefs, reflecting volunteers and attendees who saw Pope Leo XIV's visit as a call for peace.

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"CBS Weekend News" Full Broadcast | November 29, 2025

CBS Evening News report on Pope Leo's Istanbul mass and his call for peace and interfaith unity, quoting Isaiah's message.

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Crowd Braves Rain To Flock To Pope Leo's Mass In Istanbul

Thousands of worshippers battled the rain to join Pope Leo XIV as he celebrated mass in Istanbul on Saturday, the last full day of his visit to Turkey.

21 hours ago·New York, United States

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