Pope Leo XIV commenced the second day of his landmark visit to Lebanon with a powerful appeal for regional peace, delivering his message from the revered Saint Charbel Monastery in Annaya. The pontiff’s motorcade navigated mountainous roads north of Beirut amid exuberant celebrations, with thousands of Lebanese citizens cheering, ululating, and showering his path with rice in traditional welcome.
The newly elected Pope, making his first international journey since assuming the papacy, arrived from Turkey on Sunday with a mission to restore faith among Lebanon’s disillusioned youth. Speaking within the candle-lit stone monastery, he specifically invoked peace for Lebanon and the broader Levant region while acknowledging the country’s profound challenges.
Leo’s visit occurs against a backdrop of severe economic collapse spanning six years, widespread government corruption, and persistent security concerns despite a November 2024 ceasefire. Israel has recently intensified strikes within Lebanese territory, while the United States maintains pressure on Beirut to disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.
The pontiff directly addressed Lebanon’s leadership crisis, urging officials to serve their ‘long-suffering people’ and halt the mass emigration draining the country of its youth and families. His message resonated deeply with citizens who lined rain-drenched streets for hours to catch a glimpse of the papal motorcade.
Monday’s itinerary included addresses to bishops at the Harissa shrine overlooking the Mediterranean, an inter-religious gathering at Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square with representatives from Lebanon’s 18 recognized denominations, and a youth meeting at the Maronite patriarchate in Bkerke. Authorities declared both Monday and Tuesday official holidays, implementing enhanced security measures including comprehensive road closures and drone photography bans.
The visit marks the first papal journey to Lebanon since Benedict XVI’s 2012 tour, generating substantial anticipation within the multi-confessional nation. Pope Leo’s approach mirrors his cautious diplomacy in Turkey, balancing political sensitivities while advocating for religious diversity and national unity.