Pope Leo XIV recently celebrated Lebanon’s tradition of interreligious harmony as a source of hope for a region often beset by conflict. This occasion coincided with his first full day in Lebanon, where he received an enthusiastic welcome from large crowds and local religious leaders who all echoed the desire for “God’s gift of peace.”
Thousands of Lebanese, unfazed by the morning rain, lined the streets to greet the pope’s motorcade, some showering him with flower petals and rice. As the first American pope, Leo’s visit marks a significant journey for him—first to Turkey to honor the origins of Christianity, and now to Lebanon to uplift its enduring Christian communities that embody religious tolerance within the Arab world.
A key moment of the day was an interfaith gathering at Beirut’s Martyrs Square, attended by the country’s Christian patriarch as well as Sunni, Shia, and Druze leaders. Following hymns and readings from both the Bible and the Koran, the pope emphasized Lebanon’s exemplary history of coexistence as an important message for peace in the region.
“In a time when coexistence can feel out of reach, the Lebanese people’s respect for their diverse faiths reminds us that fear and division are not inevitable,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of Lebanon and its Christian community for the Catholic Church. He recalled St. John Paul II’s belief that Lebanon represents a universal message of freedom. To cap the event, spiritual leaders planted an olive sapling, a symbol of peace.
While Lebanon is now recognized for its model of religious coexistence, this harmony was not always present. The civil war, which unfolded from 1975 to 1990, primarily stemmed from sectarian divisions.
Visit at a tense time
Leo’s visit comes during another challenging period for Lebanon, marked by years of turmoil, economic struggles, and political impasses, all underscored by the devastating port explosion in Beirut in 2020. Many view the pope’s presence as a beacon of hope against the backdrop of the ongoing Gaza conflict and increasing political tensions within Lebanon.
Rev. Youssef Nasr, executive director of Catholic Schools in Lebanon, expressed: “This visit is vital for us, especially after all the wars and crises we’ve faced. It inspires the Lebanese to stand firm in their homeland.”
The country is currently grappling with divisions around the disarmament of Hezbollah, the militant group that participated in last year’s war with Israel, which has resulted in significant damage to Lebanon. Even with a ceasefire, tensions remain high, with Israel conducting frequent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah.
During an interfaith event, Abdullatif Derian, the Grand Mufti of Sunni Islam, welcomed the pope and recalled the positive engagements fostered by Pope Francis. He referenced a joint declaration on human fraternity made in 2019.
Ali al-Khatib, a prominent Shiite cleric, has called upon Leo to help curb the Israeli attacks amid rising concerns in Lebanon regarding violence.
Prayers to Saints Respected by Christians and Muslims
Leo began his day with prayers at the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf, beloved by both Christians and Muslims. Every year, many pilgrims visit the monastery overlooking the Mediterranean, where Leo prayed quietly in the dim tomb, presenting a lamp as a gesture of light to the local community.
During his papacy, Leo has maintained a secure papal mobile, unlike his predecessor Francis. Soldiers lined the streets during his visit, but the warm reception from the public brought a sense of joy amidst prevailing security concerns.
Some Lebanese shared feelings of reassurance after Leo responded to a query about safety in Lebanon during a recent visit. His affirmative “Well, I’ll go” uplifted spirits among those who felt disheartened by perceptions of danger.
The day culminated with a vibrant gathering of Lebanese youth in Bquerki, the center of the Maronite Church, where the pope encouraged young people to remain in their homeland despite the exodus many are contemplating.
“This moment is unforgettable,” expressed Nawal Gossein, a Maronite Catholic welcoming the pope. “We take immense pride in our Christian identity!”
Petition for Christians to remain
Presently, Christians make up roughly a third of Lebanon’s five million residents, rendering it the Middle East’s most Christian nation. A longstanding power-sharing agreement mandates that the president be a Maronite Christian, marking Lebanon as the sole Arab state with a Christian head of state.
The Vatican views the existence of Christians in the region as critical for the Church’s future. Despite enduring hardships and the emigration following the civil war, Lebanese Christians continue to claim their ancestral homeland. Ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries have further diminished Christian populations in the region.
“We are here to stay,” declared one pilgrim, asserting their right to coexist peacefully, saying, “The Church has no enemies.” Bishop Antoine Charbel Tarabai, along with a Lebanese diaspora group in Australia, expressed a commitment to supporting young families in maintaining their presence in Lebanon and preventing further emigration.
