On his first foreign trip as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV visits Lebanon for three days. Many hope the Pope’s visit might bring a moment of peace to a country living with constant uncertainty.

Beirut

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, where he is scheduled to lead a mass at the city's waterfront and visit the port area that was devastated by a major explosion in 2020. The visit is highly anticipated by Lebanese Christians, who make up about a third of the population in this Muslim-majority country and often feel under threat.

Pope Leo's visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, including recent Israeli strikes in Beirut and ongoing border conflicts. Many Lebanese see the Pope's presence as a gesture of support for peace and stability in a country facing political and social uncertainty.

Pope Leo XIV visits Lebanon

Beirut is preparing for Pope Leo. His face can be seen across the city, as anticipation builds among Lebanese Christians. They make up about a third of the population of this Muslim-majority country and often feel under threat. Thousands are expected to come here to Beirut's waterfront, where Pope Leo will hold a mass. He will also come here to Beirut's port, a hugely symbolic stop. A huge explosion here in 2020 killed more than 200 people and left thousands injured. It destroyed entire neighbourhoods. Many families of those who died are still looking for answers and to hold someone accountable. The causes of the explosion have never been properly investigated, and no officials have since been held accountable. These are widely seen as clear signs that the Lebanese state is barely functioning. Pope Leo's visit will be taken as support for the state and the country, at a time when the region is in turmoil. The official theme is to support efforts for peace. A welcome message here. Lebanon is not at war, but not at peace either. Just last week, Israel hit this building in Beirut, killing five Hezbollah members and injuring 28 people. It's part of its continuing campaign to attack Hamas and Hezbollah figures in Lebanon. Israeli forces have been occupying several areas along the border for nearly a year. They carry out near-daily strikes, violating the ceasefire that ended last year's fighting with Hezbollah. Amid these tensions and worries, many Lebanese hope the Pope's visit might bring a moment of peace to a country living with constant uncertainty.

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