Pope Leo XIV begins visit to Lebanon carrying message of peace

Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Sunday afternoon, at the start of a 48-hour visit, during which he will carry a message of peace to the Lebanese people, who have been facing successive political and economic crises for years.

The visit is part of the Pope's first foreign trip since assuming the papacy, following a three-day visit to Turkey.

AFP reported that the 70-year-old Pope received an official welcome at Rafik Hariri International Airport, in the presence of President Joseph Aoun and other senior officials.

The Pope is scheduled to travel directly from the airport to the Presidential Palace in Baabda, where he will address a gathering of officials and diplomats. Large crowds of citizens have gathered along the route to the palace to welcome the Pope's motorcade.

Beirut Airport has been bustling with political and religious activity since the early morning hours, with the arrival of prominent figures including Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and his wife, Army Commander General Rudolph Haykal, as well as ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, and representatives from the military and security forces.

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi also arrived at the airport to participate in the official welcoming ceremony.

Meanwhile, Bishop Antoine Charbel Tarabay, head of the Maronite Diocese of Australia, presided over a celebratory Mass at the Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justina in Kfifan, at the invitation of the Abbot, Father Estephan Farah, coinciding with the Pope's visit.

This visit is a historic event on both the national and religious levels, amid hopes that it will contribute to strengthening stability and sending messages of support to Lebanon, which is suffering under the weight of war and escalating crises.

ANHA