Vatican City, Sep 12, 2014 / 09:30 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A statement released by the Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis will visit Turkey in November, where he is expected to participate in celebrations surrounding the orthodox feast of St. Andrew.

“This morning the Holy See received the official letter of invitation from the part of the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for a trip of Pope Francis to the country,” the Sept. 12 statement, signed by Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., read.