Pope Leo XIV eyes Lebanon for first international trip

Pope Leo XIV may choose Lebanon for his first trip abroad since becoming head of the Catholic Church in May, as reported by the BBC on August 21st.

Vatican officials are studying the plan but have not confirmed dates, according to Archbishop Paul Sayah, deputy to Lebanon’s highest-ranking Catholic leader.

The potential visit carries symbolic weight for the first American Pope, who has made dialogue and peace in the Middle East central to his early message. Sayah described Lebanon as “a multicultural, multi-religious country and a place of dialogue.” Sayah added: It’s one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians are living together and respecting each other… so it sends a message to the region.”

Speculation has come about concerning where Leo would make his first international appearance. Papal journeys often set the tone for a pontificate. Francis chose Lampedusa in 2013, highlighting migration and marginalised communities. In his 12 years as pontiff, Francis visited 68 countries, often on the “peripheries” of the world.

Lebanon, with over two million Catholics and a rich mix of faiths, has long held special significance for the Vatican. A papal stop there would place Leo close to the Gaza war, which the Pope has termed as “barbaric.” Sayah also said: “Everybody is talking to Israel but Israel doesn’t listen. Netanyahu doesn’t seem to listen a lot, but the more [leaders speak], the better. If the Pope adds his voice and concern, I think it’s likely to have some impact.”

Leo has already emphasised outreach with other religions. In his inaugural blessing the pope made direct comments about conflicts around the world and called for peace. Likewise, early in his papacy, he met an interreligious delegation, where he commended the “Jewish roots of Christianity” and affirmed that Catholics, Muslims and Jews must “say no to war and yes to peace.”

If confirmed, the trip would follow visits to Lebanon by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, both remembered for calls of peace. Recently, Leo also honoured victims of the Beirut port explosion. He declared: “Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the centre of our prayers.”

BBC, Maghrebi.org