Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Lebanon and the Region During Pilgrimage Visit

Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for peace in Lebanon and the wider region on Monday as he began the second day of his visit to the multi-faith country with a stop at one of its most revered pilgrimage sites.

Crowds cheered, ululated and tossed rice as the pope’s motorcade made its way up the winding road to the Annaya monastery in the mountains north of Beirut, where Saint Charbel’s tomb is located, AFP photographers reported.

Leo arrived from Turkey on Sunday for his first foreign trip as pontiff, bringing what he described as a message of hope—especially for Lebanon’s youth, many of whom have lost confidence in their crisis-stricken homeland.

“For the world, we ask for peace. We especially implore it for Lebanon and for the entire Levant,” he declared from inside the candle-lit stone monastery.

Saint Charbel, a Maronite hermit canonised in 1977, is revered across Lebanon, with his image commonly displayed in homes, cars and workplaces.

Music echoed through the mountain site as bells rang and thousands gathered under tight security.

“Saint Charbel is like a father to me, and is the greatest saint in my life,” said beautician Jihane Daccache outside the monastery.
“The pope’s visit today is historic, to a land that always yearns for peace. He brings a message of hope and faith to me and all Lebanese,” she told AFP.

‘A Great Blessing’

The pope has urged Lebanon’s leaders to prioritize the needs of their people, many of whom have emigrated due to the severe economic collapse.

Despite rain, thousands lined the streets north of Beirut from early morning, waving Lebanese and Vatican flags as the papal convoy passed.

“Everyone goes to Rome to see the pope, but he has come to us,” said Therese Daraouni, 61.
“This is the greatest blessing, and the greatest grace and hope for Lebanon. I hope people unite for the sake of Lebanon and its people,” she added.

Lebanon is grappling with a six-year economic crisis blamed on government corruption and mismanagement. Fears of a renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah persist despite a November 2024 ceasefire meant to end more than a year of hostilities.

Israel has stepped up strikes in recent weeks, while Lebanon’s financially strained government faces mounting US pressure to disarm the Iran-backed group.

“We are very happy about the pope’s visit. His trip has brought a smile back to our faces,” said Yasmine Chidiac, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
“We always have hope and faith in peace, and hope that Lebanon remains a beacon and meeting place for the world.”

Interfaith Gathering Ahead

Later in the day, Leo is expected to address bishops and clergy at the Harissa shrine, home to the towering statue of Our Lady of Lebanon overlooking the Mediterranean.

He will also preside over an interfaith gathering at Martyrs’ Square in Beirut, bringing together leaders from many of Lebanon’s 18 officially recognised religious communities.

The pope will then meet young people at the Maronite patriarchate in Bkerke, near the capital.

Authorities have declared Monday and Tuesday public holidays and enforced strict security, including road closures and a ban on drone use.

Leo has repeatedly urged Lebanese leaders to commit themselves “with dedication” to serving their people and has emphasized reconciliation in a nation still scarred by its 1975–1990 civil war.

“Peace is knowing how to live together, in communion, as reconciled people,” he previously said, noting the “exodus of young people and families seeking a future elsewhere.”

This visit marks the first papal trip to Lebanon since Benedict XVI’s visit in 2012. In Turkey, Leo navigated sensitive political issues while emphasizing unity and respect for religious diversity.

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