Pope Leo XIV says Thanksgiving is a “beautiful feast” that unites believers and non-believers alike.Leo said he was thankful for many things and urged everyone to recognize the gifts they have been given.

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

Pope Leo XIV called Thanksgiving a “beautiful feast” that unites believers and non-believers alike as he issued a message of thanks ahead of the U.S. holiday. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

As he prepares for his first foreign trip, Pope Leo had a message for Americans on the eve of Thanksgiving. NBC News’ Molly Hunter reports.

By Joshua McElwee ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO ANKARA (Reuters) -Like many Americans on the annual holiday of Thanksgiving, Pope Leo was travelling on Thursday, flying from Rome to Turkey for his first overseas trip as leader of the Catholic Church.

To the Americans here, Happy Thanksgiving!” Leo said as he greeted about 80 journalists aboard the chartered ITA Airways flight to Ankara on Thursday morning. “It’s a wonderful day to celebrate.”

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

Pope Leo suggested that Americans should focus on gratitude as they celebrate Thanksgiving this year, encouraging "all people to try and promote peace and harmony."

For the first time, an American Thanksgiving will be held at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer palace about an hour outside of Rome. Reporting for TODAY, NBC’s Molly Hunter speaks with Pope Leo where he shares his Thanksgiving message and what he’s thankful for.