Pope Leo spreads message of peace in Lebanon following departure from Turkey

Pope Leo XIV ended his trip to Turkey on Sunday before traveling to Lebanon, aiming to deliver a message of hope to the nation and reinforce the presence of its Christian community. During his Turkey visits, he consistently promoted themes of peace and unity, addressing both his Catholic followers and broader audiences.

In Istanbul, the pope had two notable engagements: a prayer service at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and a liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide. The patriarch had invited Leo to commemorate an important Christian anniversary, which prompted the visit.

At the Armenian cathedral, Pope Leo XIV entered amid a cloud of incense with a choir singing. He praised the Armenian people for their enduring Christian witness throughout history, referencing the World War I-era massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. Unlike Pope Francis, who had labeled the event a "genocide" and sparked tension with Turkey, Leo chose more diplomatic wording during his stay in Turkey.

The pope also visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque, a historic Ottoman landmark popular with visitors. According to the Holy See, he approached the mosque in silence, reflecting respectfully and acknowledging the faith of those gathered in prayer. He was accompanied by Turkish officials including Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Provincial Mufti of Istanbul Emrullah Tuncel, and the Grand Imam of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Kurra Hafz Fatih Kaya.

After Turkey, Pope Leo XIV travels to Lebanon during a challenging period following years of crises. He fulfills a promise of Pope Francis, who had long wished to visit but was prevented due to health issues. Pope Francis often referenced St. John Paul II, who described Lebanon as a "message" of coexistence and fraternity rather than just a country.

Lebanon's political structure ensures the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the parliamentary speaker a Shiite. With about one-third of the population being Christian, Lebanon has historically been a focal point for the Vatican, protecting ancient Christian communities now diminished after decades of conflict.

Pope Leo XIV is expected to encourage Lebanese citizens disheartened by leadership failures, urging Christians to remain in the country or return if they have left. Bishop George of the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Beirut emphasized the importance of the visit as a symbol of hope amid fears of renewed conflict with Israel.

Lebanon has faced severe crises, including a currency collapse in 2019, shortages of essentials, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed over 200 people and caused widespread destruction. On December 2, Leo XIV will pray at the blast site and meet victims, highlighting calls for accountability and justice in the aftermath of government negligence.

The pope will also engage with Lebanese youth, offering encouragement to a generation affected by emigration and disillusionment. Since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, and the subsequent Lebanon-Israel conflict in 2024, residents face ongoing instability despite a ceasefire, with frequent Israeli airstrikes.

Before his arrival, Hezbollah urged the pope to denounce perceived injustices and aggression and encouraged supporters to line the papal route in Beirut. While Hezbollah has alliances with some Christian political groups, other parties like the Lebanese Forces oppose its influence and criticize its role in the conflict.

In neighboring Syria, Christian communities continue to struggle after years of civil war and sectarian violence. A delegation of Syrian Christians is traveling to Lebanon to join Pope Leo XIV in youth meetings and a public mass on Beiruts waterfront, hoping the papal visit can bring reassurance and hope to Eastern Christians.

Author: Sophia Brooks