Pope Leo XIV Visits Lebanon Amid Economic and Political Challenges
Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first Middle East visit to Lebanon, addressing interfaith unity and the nation's ongoing crises.
Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Lebanon for his inaugural visit to the Middle East since his election in May. The visit comes at a critical time for Lebanon, which is grappling with economic turmoil and political instability.
On Monday morning, the Pope visited the Monastery of Saint Maroun in Annaya, where he prayed at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a revered figure known for his healing miracles. Reflecting on Saint Charbel's life, the Pope highlighted his "silence, humbleness, and poverty," describing these as "radical" qualities that contrast with modern societal values. He presented a hand-made votive lamp entwined with silver olive branches, entrusting "Lebanon and its people to Saint Charbel so they would always walk in the light of Christ."
Later, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, Pope Leo XIV met with religious leaders and community members. He listened to testimonies from individuals affected by recent conflicts, including a priest aiding Syrian refugees, a nun assisting families during the Israel-Hezbollah war, and a domestic worker who recounted her journey to safety. The Pope emphasized the need to offer opportunities to young people, stating, "It is necessary, even among the rubble of a world that has its own painful failures, to offer them concrete and viable prospects for rebirth and future growth."
The Pope's itinerary also includes a prayer Mass at Beirut's waterfront near the site of the 2020 port explosion, underscoring his commitment to supporting Lebanon during its challenging times.
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