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.

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.

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.

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."

Pope Leo XIV encouraged Turkey to be a source of stability and dialogue in a world riven by conflict, as he opened his first foreign trip as pope on Thursday with a plea for peace amid efforts to end wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

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 is traveling to Turkey on the first overseas trip of his papacy. While traveling on Thanksgiving, Americans on the papal plane made sure the first U.S.-born pope had some pie and CBS News' Chris Livesay offered special White Sox memorabilia.

“This is the first American Thanksgiving in Castel Gandolfo,” he said of the 450-year-old home. He rounds out the menu with polenta cornbread dressing with sausage and apple (an Oprah favorite), sirloin with porcini, ciabatta with pancetta, and a cacio e pepe timbale. Get the recipe here.