Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Lebanon for his inaugural visit to the Middle East since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church in May 2023. This visit comes at a critical juncture for Lebanon, grappling with ongoing conflict with Israel and a severe economic crisis. The Pope’s arrival on Sunday evening followed a trip to Turkey, where he commemorated the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea.
On Monday morning, the Pope’s convoy navigated through the winding roads near Beirut, greeted by well-wishers, many clad in raincoats under overcast skies. As he made his way to the mountain-top tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a 19th-century hermit, some attendees threw rose petals at the popemobile. At the saint’s tomb, known for its association with miraculous healings, Pope Leo highlighted Charbel’s qualities of silence, humility, and poverty, describing them as “radical” in today’s world. He presented a hand-made votive lamp entwined with silver olive branches, entrusting “Lebanon and its people to Saint Charbel so they would always walk in the light of Christ.”
Lebanon has a significant historical role in early Christianity, with regions like Galilee, where Jesus is believed to have preached, extending into southern Lebanon. Although Christians now make up about 30% of the population, this number has declined since the last census in 1932, which recorded Christians as more than half of the population. Today, the country is predominantly Muslim, yet Christians retain more political power than in any other country in the region, as the presidency is traditionally reserved for a Maronite Catholic.
During his visit, Pope Leo urged Lebanese leaders to pursue peace and provide hope to the nation’s citizens. Since the financial collapse in 2019 and the catastrophic explosion at Beirut’s port in 2020, many Lebanese have emigrated. Notably, Christian migrants have found refuge in various Western nations, partly due to their historical connections with those countries.
The Pope also visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, a significant pilgrimage destination. He engaged with local clergy and community members, listening to their accounts of the struggles faced during recent conflicts. Father Yohanna Fuad Fahad, a priest from northern Lebanon, described the challenges of aiding Syrian refugees who fled to Lebanon during Syria’s civil war, only to encounter Lebanon’s own economic hardships. He recounted witnessing Syrian coins in the alms plate, indicating the influx of new refugees amid the ongoing crisis.
Sister Dima, a nun, shared her commitment to stay in the town of Balbaak during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing her dedication to helping both Christian and Muslim families. A church volunteer, who identified herself as Lauren, recounted the harrowing experience of assisting foreign workers trapped by their employer during the violence, emphasizing the resilience of those seeking help.
Pope Leo, visibly moved by these stories, echoed the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, stressing that Christians must not remain indifferent to the suffering around them. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for youth, stating, “It is necessary, even among the rubble of a world that has its own painful failures, to offer them concrete and viable prospects for rebirth and future growth.”
Symbol of Hope Amidst Challenges
The Pope’s convoy traveled along newly paved roads in Lebanon, previously neglected due to the economic crisis. According to Hanady Moukawem, head of the municipality of Daroun-Harissa, the Pope’s visit serves as a symbol of hope for the nation.
On Tuesday, the Pope will hold a prayer Mass at Beirut’s waterfront, near the site of the devastating explosion, before concluding his visit. While his engagements focus primarily on Beirut and northern Lebanon, church officials have indicated that the Vatican deemed a visit to southern Lebanon too risky due to ongoing tensions. Despite a year-old ceasefire, Israel continues to conduct frequent airstrikes, and Hezbollah remains under pressure from the Lebanese government regarding its arms.
In the Lebanese village of Cana, known for the biblical account of Jesus turning water into wine, the Christian population has dwindled to about 10%. Many individuals leaving the country first travel to Beirut, which has historically served as an economic hub.
Chakib Hadad, a retired teacher from Cana, noted that emigration has occurred in stages since the 1950s, with many selling their land and seeking work in the capital. The Pope’s visit highlights the urgent need for renewed hope and stability in Lebanon, a nation rich in history yet currently facing profound challenges.
