The MTA Speaks| Prayer times| Weather Update| Gold Price
Follow Us: Facebook Instagram YouTube twitter

Pope Leo’s Visit to Lebanon: A Call for Unity in Troubling Times

Pope Leo’s Visit to Lebanon: A Call for Unity in Troubling Times

Post by : Meena Hassan

Pope Leo, the inaugural US-born pontiff, landed in Lebanon on Sunday following a four-day trip to Turkey. He warned that the future of humanity is jeopardized by the surge in violent conflicts worldwide and denounced acts of violence conducted in the name of faith.

Excited crowds brandishing Lebanese and Vatican banners gathered along the route from the airport to the presidential palace, eager to catch a glimpse of the pope. His agenda includes meetings with Lebanon’s president and prime minister, plus an address—this marks only his second address to a foreign government.

Lebanon, home to the Middle East's largest Christian population, is grappling with the fallout from the Gaza conflict. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have heightened tensions, worsened by the nation's economic difficulties and a significant influx of Syrian and Palestinian refugees.

Israeli officials state that recent airstrikes aim to curb Hezbollah’s military capabilities, while Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem expressed hope that the pope’s visit might lead to a cessation of Israeli assaults. The papal visit has garnered widespread support from Lebanon's various communities, including Druze cleric Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna, who characterized the occasion as “a beacon of hope” for the nation.

In anticipation of Leo's arrival, security measures were heightened, with the Lebanese army and other internal security units deployed at the airport. His motorcade is set to traverse Beirut's southern suburbs—an area significantly influenced by Hezbollah and previously a target of last year’s strikes—where the Imam Mehdi Scouts will extend a roadside welcome.

During his early overseas engagements, Pope Leo visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, showing respect by removing his shoes, and participated in an Orthodox Christian service led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who called on Christians to emit “a unified message of hope” while condemning global violence, including that in Ukraine.

In Lebanon, the 70-year-old pope is set to explore five cities from Sunday to Tuesday while steering clear of southern regions affected by Israeli strikes. His timetable includes a prayer at the site of the 2020 port explosion, an outdoor Mass along the waterfront, and a visit to one of the country's rare psychiatric hospitals, where both staff and patients eagerly await his presence.

Dec. 1, 2025 12:56 p.m. 365
World News

More Trending News

Featured Stories

DP World Names Ahmad Al-Hassan CEO for GCC Operations
March 10, 2026 4:12 p.m.
DP World appoints Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan as CEO and Managing Director for GCC, overseeing ports, logistics and economic zones across UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman
Read More
7 Dead After Garbage Mountain Collapses at Jakarta Landfill
March 10, 2026 3:42 p.m.
Rescue teams ended the search at Jakarta’s Bantargebang landfill after a garbage collapse killed seven people. Six survived and all victims were found
Read More
BCCI awards ₹1.31bn bonus to India after T20 World Cup win
March 10, 2026 3:19 p.m.
The BCCI announced a ₹1.31 billion bonus for the Indian team after their dominant T20 World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad
Read More
Awqaf Donates AED4M to Mother of the Nation Orphan Fund
March 10, 2026 2:57 p.m.
Awqaf contributes AED4 million to the Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans in Abu Dhabi, supporting education, healthcare, and long-term welfare
Read More
Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award Sees 80% Surge in Entries
March 10, 2026 2:52 p.m.
Over 230 applications were received in the 22nd cycle of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, highlighting strong SME and startup participation across Abu Dhabi
Read More
Dubai Endowment Assets Hit AED13.5B in 2025, Up 22%
March 10, 2026 2:43 p.m.
Dubai’s endowment assets reached AED13.5 billion in 2025, a 22% rise from 2024, with 1,294 endowments supporting sustainable development and social initiatives
Read More
Dubai Issues New Law to Ensure Building Safety and Quality
March 10, 2026 1:31 p.m.
Dubai introduces Law No.3 of 2026 to improve building safety, maintenance and sustainability, requiring quality certificates, inspections and strict penalties
Read More
RAF Typhoon Jets Down Drones Heading to Jordan, Bahrain
March 10, 2026 1:21 p.m.
RAF Typhoon jets intercepted two drones overnight, defending Jordan and Bahrain as the UK increases military support to allies amid rising Middle East tensions
Read More
Boston Singer Tommy DeCarlo Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle
March 10, 2026 1:07 p.m.
Tommy DeCarlo, who became Boston’s lead singer after posting a tribute to Brad Delp on Myspace, has died at 60 following a months-long battle with brain cancer
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News