Pope Leo XIV to Carry Peace Message During Upcoming Visit to Lebanon
Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai Hails Pontiff's Trip Amid Regional Calm.
BKERKE, Lebanon: Pope Leo XIV is set to carry a message of peace to Lebanon and the Christians of the Middle East during his visit next month, according to Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.
The Vatican announced last week that Pope Leo will embark on a six-day trip to Turkiye and Lebanon starting late November, marking his first journey since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church.
Rai, who heads the influential Maronite Church in religiously diverse Lebanon, welcomed the pontiff's visit amid a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following more than a year of hostilities, as well as a recent truce in the Gaza conflict.
The visit comes at a time when a ceasefire with Israel has been in place since November, despite ongoing tensions.
Similarly, a few days ago, a ceasefire was established in the Gaza Strip after the devastating war between Hamas and Israel.
Rai expressed hope that Pope Leo will focus on peace during his visit and encourage Lebanon to maintain its peaceful path.
The recent conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and damage across Lebanon, particularly affecting areas where Hezbollah holds influence.
Last week, Pope Leo stated that his trip presents an opportunity to renew the message of peace, given Lebanon's own suffering.
Rai emphasized that Pope Leo's visit will remind all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, of their responsibility to preserve Lebanon's identity and coexistence.
He noted that the Vatican understands Lebanon as a country built on cultural and religious pluralism.
Pope Leo XIV's trip marks the third papal visit to Lebanon following John Paul II in 1997 and Benedict XVI in 2012.
His visit follows a series of crises, including an economic crisis beginning in 2019, a massive port explosion in 2020, and recent war conflicts.
Rai stated that the visit is a significant relief for Christians not only in Lebanon but also in neighboring countries affected by conflict and displacement.
The Vatican announced last week that Pope Leo will embark on a six-day trip to Turkiye and Lebanon starting late November, marking his first journey since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church.
Rai, who heads the influential Maronite Church in religiously diverse Lebanon, welcomed the pontiff's visit amid a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following more than a year of hostilities, as well as a recent truce in the Gaza conflict.
The visit comes at a time when a ceasefire with Israel has been in place since November, despite ongoing tensions.
Similarly, a few days ago, a ceasefire was established in the Gaza Strip after the devastating war between Hamas and Israel.
Rai expressed hope that Pope Leo will focus on peace during his visit and encourage Lebanon to maintain its peaceful path.
The recent conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and damage across Lebanon, particularly affecting areas where Hezbollah holds influence.
Last week, Pope Leo stated that his trip presents an opportunity to renew the message of peace, given Lebanon's own suffering.
Rai emphasized that Pope Leo's visit will remind all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, of their responsibility to preserve Lebanon's identity and coexistence.
He noted that the Vatican understands Lebanon as a country built on cultural and religious pluralism.
Pope Leo XIV's trip marks the third papal visit to Lebanon following John Paul II in 1997 and Benedict XVI in 2012.
His visit follows a series of crises, including an economic crisis beginning in 2019, a massive port explosion in 2020, and recent war conflicts.
Rai stated that the visit is a significant relief for Christians not only in Lebanon but also in neighboring countries affected by conflict and displacement.
