Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first foreign trip. His pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon would be delicate under any circumstances but is even more fraught given Mideast tensions and the media glare that will document history’s first American pope on the road.

While speaking with reporters on Nov. 25, 2025, Pope Leo commented on Thanksgiving and addressed concerns about violence in Lebanon before his upcoming visit.

Thanksgiving is a "beautiful feast" that reminds everyone to be grateful for the gifts they have been given, Pope Leo XIV said.

Pope Leo XIV has a message for Americans celebrating Thanksgiving. While speaking with NBC’s Molly Hunter on Nov. 25, the Chicago native shared what he hopes people remember during the annual holiday.