The Vatican then sent out a corrected version of its bulletin about the trip, removing reference to the planned "brief moment of silent prayer," without further explanation.

Pope Francis is embarking on his first international journey, visiting Turkey and Lebanon, meeting political and religious leaders, visiting Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, and celebrating Mass. In Lebanon, he will pray at the port devastated by the 2020 explosion and engage with communities amid ongoing political and sectarian tensions,

The pope, arriving in Lebanon, also encouraged that country’s Christians to stay where they are, despite economic, political and security concerns.