Pope Leo Considers Lebanon For First International Trip
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a potential visit to Lebanon later this year, marking what could be his first journey outside Italy since becoming the first American pope in May. Though the Vatican hasn’t officially confirmed the trip, local Catholic officials and Vatican insiders say “preparations are already underway”. Cardinal Béchara Raï noted the trip could happen “anytime from now until December” and might be part of a larger tour that includes Turkey, where Leo is expected to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in November.
Lebanon, with its sizable Christian population and long history of religious coexistence, holds symbolic significance for the Vatican. Amid ongoing regional instability, including Israel’s strikes in the south and Hezbollah’s defiance, Pope Leo’s visit would carry a strong message of peace. Bishop Paul Sayah emphasized Lebanon's unique role as “a place of dialogue,” adding, “If the Pope adds his voice and concern, I think it's likely to have some impact.”
Earlier this month, Leo commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, saying: “Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the centre of our prayers.” The visit would echo efforts by previous popes, including Benedict XVI and John Paul II, to support Christians in the Middle East and promote interfaith harmony.
