“Blessed are the peacemakers,” proclaim billboards around Beirut, featuring images of Pope Leo as he arrives in Lebanon. The visit comes at a critical time for the nation, which is grappling with the aftermath of a brutal conflict with Israel last year, ongoing Israeli bombardment, and occupation despite a declared “ceasefire.” The Lebanese people are hopeful that Pope Leo’s presence will usher in a new era of peace.
Boutros Wassaf, a sub-deacon in the Maronite Diocese of Antelias in Beirut, expressed the significance of the pope’s visit. “It’s a big message from the pope to come to Lebanon in these days because Lebanon is in a big problem now on all the things,” he said. “There’s a war, there’s problems in the economic things and the message of the pope now is a very big message in the middle of the darkness of Lebanon, it will be a big light.”
Pope’s Message of Solidarity
Pope Leo’s choice of Lebanon and Türkiye for his first overseas trip is seen across the region as a gesture of solidarity with its people. Syrian Christians, anxious after the fall of the Assad regime to Islamist rebels a year ago, have crossed the border to witness the pope’s visit, hoping for increased visibility for their plight.
The Lebanese hope that the pope’s presence will deter Israel from further airstrikes against Hezbollah, at least while international attention is focused on the visit. Even Hezbollah has welcomed the visit, using it to reiterate its stance against disarming, despite pressure from the United States and Israel.
“We in Hezbollah take this opportunity of your blessed visit to Lebanon to reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence, consensual democracy, the preservation of internal security and stability, and to safeguarding our national sovereignty by standing with our army and people against any aggression or occupation of our land and country,” the group stated.
Ecumenical Focus Amid Regional Challenges
While the Vatican emphasizes that the trip is centered on ecumenical matters, it acknowledges the broader regional issues. “Pope Leo XIV’s pilgrimage to Türkiye and Lebanon aims to offer a voice of peace, unity, and hope at the heart of the Middle East,” stated the Vatican press office.
Upon his arrival on Sunday evening, Pope Leo addressed political and religious leaders from Lebanon’s diverse sects at the presidential palace. His itinerary includes a visit to the site of the Beirut Port explosion and a holy mass at the city’s waterfront, near the remains of the grain silos, a somber reminder of the 2020 disaster that claimed 218 lives.
The pope will also visit the monastery of Lebanese Maronite Saint Charbel in the mountains above Beirut and participate in prayers at the city’s iconic Martyrs Square. A special session with young Lebanese is also planned, with Pope Leo eager to engage with the nation’s youth.
Voices of Hope and Unity
Christy Eid, an 18-year-old cub scout leader selected for the meeting with the pope, shared her excitement. “I love that the pope is showing compassion towards the Lebanese people and we really need his support to continue spreading peace. His visit is really important to us,” she said.
Worshippers at the St Michael Maronite Church in the mountains north of Beirut are preparing to see the pope, both on his routes around the city and at the Holy Mass. Priest Georges Abu Mitri emphasized the importance of the pope’s visit for Christians in the region. “Because we Lebanese are the last Christian presence in the Middle East,” he noted.
Historical Parallels and Future Prospects
The visit draws parallels to past papal visits that have provided a sense of hope and unity in troubled times. Australian-Lebanese retiree Joe Khoury, who plans to attend the mass at the waterfront, recalled the impact of previous papal visits. “I attended when John Paul II came and it gave us, as Christians, a push,” he said.
As Lebanon faces numerous challenges, including economic turmoil and political instability, the pope’s visit is seen as a beacon of hope. “At this time when everybody is talking about war and bad things are going to happen to this country, I think it’s going to change the whole situation,” Khoury added.
Pope Leo’s visit is not just a symbolic gesture but a potential catalyst for change, offering a message of peace and unity at a time when Lebanon desperately needs it. As the nation grapples with its challenges, the pope’s presence serves as a reminder of the power of faith and hope in the face of adversity.
