Denizli: A Vatican delegation led by the vicar general of Pope Leo XIV visited religious and historical sites in Denizli, western Trkiye ahead of a historic visit by the pontiff himself later this month.

According to Anadolu Agency, the delegation was led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina and comprised 38 priests and nuns. Their first stop was the tomb and church of St. Philip, one of Jesus' 12 apostles, in the ancient city of Hierapolis. The group also toured the UNESCO-listed Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Laodicea.

Reina expressed to reporters the inspiration they felt from following in the footsteps of the first Christians who were active in the region now known as Trkiye. He highlighted the spiritual significance of Hierapolis and Laodicea.

The visit is in preparation for Pope Leo's first international trip as pontiff. Arriving in the country on November 27, he is set to visit Iznik in northwestern Trkiye to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a key event in early church history.