Pope Leo Urges Peace and Unity on Lebanon Visit

Pope Leo XIV has completed a significant two-day visit to Lebanon, delivering a crucial message of peace and unity. He urged Lebanese leaders to dedicate themselves to serving their long-suffering population, who are grappling with a devastating six-year economic crisis and anxieties over potential renewed conflict. The pontiff's presence offered a beacon of hope for the nation's youth, whose faith in their country has been tested by widespread hardship and emigration.

The Pope's itinerary included visits to significant religious sites, such as the monastery of Saint Charbel and the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, underscoring the importance of spiritual solace. He also engaged in inter-religious dialogue in Beirut's Martyrs' Square and met with young people, aiming to foster reconciliation in a nation still marked by past divisions from its civil war.

Authorities enhanced security measures for the visit, declaring official holidays to facilitate public engagement. Thousands lined the streets to welcome the pontiff, signaling the high anticipation for his visit. Pope Leo's emphasis on "knowing how to live together, in communion, as reconciled people" resonated deeply, addressing the country's ongoing 'exodus' of young talent and families seeking better opportunities abroad.