Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unity and Hope in Lebanon During Historic Visit
Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon on the second day of his trip, bringing a message of unity among the Lebanese people of diverse sects and hope for the youth whose faith in their country has waned due to ongoing crises.
The Pontiff arrived in Beirut from Istanbul, marking his first foreign journey since his election in May. He expressed his wish to be a “messenger of peace” to a region torn apart by divisions and conflicts.
Thousands of Lebanese welcomed his procession along the route leading to the shrine of Saint Charbel in the mountainous town of Annaya, where hymns resounded amidst heavy rain. Devotees waved flags of Lebanon and the Vatican, showcasing their joy for this historic visit, the first by the head of the Catholic Church to this site.
In his speeches, the Pope emphasized the importance of protecting religious diversity and fostering national reconciliation, urging the Lebanese people to unite.
