Pope Leo XIV Begins Historic Visit to Lebanon Amid Regional Tensions

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday to commence a three-day visit aimed at supporting the nation’s significant Christian minority and promoting dialogue and unity amidst heightened regional tensions. This trip marks the first foreign visit for the American pontiff since his election in May. As the pope made his way to the presidential palace in Baabda, thousands gathered along the streets, waving Lebanese and Vatican flags. Many spectators, donned in plastic raincoats against the dreary weather, gathered outside the palace in hopes of glimpsing the pontiff. Pope Leo is expected to meet with political leaders, youth, and religious figures, including both Christian and Muslim communities, as part of his itinerary. The trip comes at a critical moment, just following an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to 28 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. One of the significant stops on the pope’s tour will be the Monastery of Mar Maroun in Annaya, located high in the Lebanese mountains. There, he is set to pray at the tomb of Charbel Makhlouf, a renowned monk celebrated for his efforts in uniting people of various faiths. Lebanon is home to 18 recognized faiths, including 12 Christian communities, with Shia Muslims representing the largest sect in the country. The pontiff's engagements include private meetings with religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim sects, demonstrating an intent to foster interfaith dialogue. On the final day of his visit, Pope Leo will pray at the site of the devastating Beirut port explosion that occurred in 2020, claiming over 200 lives and injuring more than 6,000. Following this poignant moment, he is scheduled to depart for Rome. Earlier in the week, Pope Leo condemned the misuse of religion as a rationale for war, urging Catholics and followers of various faiths to come together regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or personal beliefs. He emphasized the need to reject the use of religion as a justification for violence and fanaticism. Pope Leo’s visit comes in the wake of a fragile truce established between Israel and Hezbollah nearly a year ago, mediated by US diplomacy. The Vatican has a longstanding commitment to promoting peace in the Middle East, with past engagements including a 2021 meeting that saw Pope Francis host Lebanese Christian leaders in the Vatican in response to the country’s ongoing political crisis. Notably, the last papal visit to Lebanon occurred in 2012 with Pope Benedict XVI. As the region continues to face challenges, Pope Leo XIV's visit signifies not only a show of support for Lebanon's Christians but also a call for unity and dialogue amid conflict. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2