Pope Leo XIV will embark on his first foreign trip to Lebanon and Turkey next
month, aiming to bring a message of peace and unity to Lebanon amid a fragile
ceasefire and regional tensions, as highlighted by Maronite Patriarch Beshara
Rai. The visit underscores the importance of coexistence among Lebanon’s
diverse religious communities.
Pope Leo’s Upcoming Visit to Lebanon and Turkey
Pope Leo XIV will make a six-day trip starting late November
to Turkey and Lebanon, marking his first foreign journey since becoming head of
the Catholic Church. As reported by Beshara Rai, the Maronite Patriarch and
head of Lebanon’s most influential Christian sect, the pilgrimage is intended
to deliver a strong message of peace and hope during turbulent times in the
region.
The Vatican confirmed the visit last week, with Pope Leo
expected in Lebanon from November 30 to December 2. This visit comes amid a fragile
truce following more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Focus on Peace and Stability Amid Conflict
As stated by Patriarch Rai to AFP from the Maronite Patriarchate headquarters in Bkerke, north of Beirut, Pope Leo will call on Lebanon to pursue peace and internal calm. Rai emphasized,
"He comes at a time when the war in Gaza has ceased… and we are living in Lebanon under a ceasefire, despite violations occurring."
The complex political and military landscape saw a ceasefire
agreement signed in November 2024 after Hezbollah's persistent attacks along
the Israel-Lebanon border displaced thousands. Despite ongoing Israeli strikes
targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, the truce has mostly held.
Rai further noted,
"I believe that during this visit, he will focus on peace, and he will ask Lebanon to continue on its path toward peace."
The patriarch expressed hope that the pope's visit will remind
Lebanese people of their shared responsibility to preserve the country’s
stability and diversity.
Lebanon’s Religious and Cultural Pluralism
Lebanon, marked by its rich cultural and religious
pluralism, is home to 18 officially recognised religious groups, including 12
Christian denominations. The Maronites represent the largest Christian sect,
and by convention, Lebanon’s president is always a Maronite Christian.
Patriarch Rai stated,
"The value of Lebanon lies in the fact that each of its groups maintains its role and identity. Coexistence means that Christians have their identity and Muslims have theirs. The pope does not come to say, 'abandon your identity,' but rather, 'Live your identity.' This is how the Vatican understands Lebanon."
This viewpoint highlights the Vatican’s respect for
Lebanon's unique model of coexistence, rooted in maintaining individual
sectarian identities within a framework of national unity.
A Historic and Hopeful Visit
Pope Leo XIV is the third pope to visit Lebanon, following
John Paul II in 1997 and Benedict XVI in 2012. Patriarch Rai hailed this visit
as a beacon of hope amid regional violence and expressed joy and renewed hope
for Lebanon.
Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, a Maronite and army
general, invited Pope Leo during a meeting at the Vatican in June. According to
the Vatican, their discussions centred on the urgent need to promote peace
throughout the Middle East. President Aoun described the upcoming visit as "a
significant historical moment" reaffirming Lebanon's role as a space for
freedom and coexistence.
Broader Context of Middle East Stability
The visit occurs as the Middle East grapples with ongoing
conflicts, including the Gaza war, which has led to devastating casualties and
destruction. According to Lebanese figures, the recent conflict resulted in
over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon and widespread devastation in regions influenced by
Hezbollah.
In a statement to Vatican Media, Cardinal Pietro Parolin
condemned the "inhuman massacre" of innocent Israelis by Hamas and
the resulting rise in antisemitism while also describing Israel's military
operations in Gaza as a "disproportionate massacre." Parolin called
on countries to halt arms supplies that fuel the conflict, highlighting the
dire humanitarian consequences. He referenced the 67,000 Palestinians killed as
a tragic marker of the hatred in the world.
Pope Leo’s Commitment to Eastern Christians
Since his election, Pope Leo has emphasised peace and
dialogue, especially supporting Eastern Rite Catholic communities who face
persecution and marginalisation. He praised Eastern and Latin Christians who
remain in the Middle East despite adversity, advocating for their right to stay
in their native lands with full security and dignity.
During a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, Pope Leo declared,
"The church needs you!" addressing Eastern Catholics. His visit to
Lebanon serves as a broader symbol of solidarity with Christians across the
region, including in Syria and Iraq, where many face existential threats.
Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Lebanon and Turkey symbolizes a renewed call for peace and unity amid regional instability. With deep respect for Lebanon’s diverse religious fabric, the pontiff aims to inspire all Lebanese—Christians and Muslims alike—to uphold their identities and preserve peace. The trip, deeply awaited by religious and political leaders, represents a crucial moment to reaffirm Lebanon’s model of coexistence and resilience.