By Andrea Barolini &Evelyn Dom
Release date
Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut on the second leg of his first foreign trip, aiming to bring hope to Lebanon amid economic uncertainty, political division and regional tensions, including war with Israel.
The Pope called on Lebanon to start a new chapter, urging the country’s leaders to put aside their differences to achieve peace and reminding them that peace is not just an aspiration but must be a daily necessity.
Lebanon is home to the largest Christian community in the Middle East. Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut with an escort of Lebanese military jets and was greeted first by President Joseph Aoun, then by National Assembly Speaker Nabi Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. It also received a great welcome.
The Pope then traveled to the Presidential Palace in a closed papal vehicle, driving through crowds waving Lebanese and Vatican flags and streets lined with dancers performing traditional Lebanese dances, a spectacular sight as light projections illuminated the palace facade.
At the presidential palace, Pope Leo XIV held a short meeting with Aoun, Berri and Salam before watering the cedar tree where he would sign the Book of Honor.
“On the first day of my visit to Lebanon, one of the two countries I will visit on my first voyage as pontiff, I wish many blessings to all the Lebanese people, praying that peace reign,” the Pope wrote in his Book of Honor.
Pope Leo XIV: “The only solution for Palestine is a two-state solution.”
The Pope flew in from TĆ¼rkiye, which was the first leg of his trip. Speaking to reporters on a plane to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the need for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
“For many years, the Holy See has publicly supported the two-state solution. At the moment, everyone knows that Israel has not yet accepted this solution, but we believe that it is the only solution that can provide a solution to the ongoing conflict.”
āWe are also friends of Israel and strive with both sides to be mediators to reach a solution that is just for all,ā the pope added.
He reiterated the Church’s intention to act as “a mediating voice to bring us closer to a just solution for all,” and stressed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with whom he spoke on Thursday, “certainly agrees.”
Regarding Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV explained that the Ankara government has “supported dialogue between the parties,” renewing hopes that such diplomatic efforts could lead to a resolution to the conflict.
Pope Leo XIV, who is on a visit to Turkey, on Sunday attended prayers and a sacred liturgy by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul.
In Istanbul, the Pope also visited the iconic Blue Mosque and celebrated Mass at the Volkswagen Arena.