Pope arrives in Lebanon
The Bishop of Rome was welcomed at the foot of the steps by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, representatives of the state authorities, and Patriarch of Antioch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. Children in traditional dress presented the Vatican guest with flowers, bread, and water, as reported by Vatican Radio.
After the national anthems of the Holy See and Lebanon were played, the pontiff arrived at the Presidential Palace for meetings with the head of state, the speaker of parliament, and the prime minister. In the evening, the Pope addressed representatives of the authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps.
The Pope's visit is particularly significant for a country experiencing political and economic turmoil. While interreligious dialogue was the main theme of his visit to Turkey, the focus in Lebanon is on peace. The motto of the trip is “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
On December 1, the program will begin with a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaba. From there, Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, where he will meet with bishops, clergy, monks, and pastoral workers.
A private meeting between the Pope and the Catholic patriarchs of the East will take place at the Apostolic Nunciature. After lunch, an ecumenical and interreligious meeting is planned at Martyrs' Square in Beirut. The day will conclude with a gathering of Lebanese youth in the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke.
On the morning of December 2, the Holy Father will visit the De La Croix Hospital in Jal el Dib, where he will meet with patients and staff. At 9:30 a.m., he will offer a prayer at the site of the 2020 explosion in the port of Beirut. The final event of the apostolic journey will be a solemn Mass on the Beirut waterfront.
