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Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Lebanon after his visit to Turkey

Pope Leo XIV’s trip continues across the eastern Mediterranean

Pope Leo XIV’s trip enters its Middle Eastern phase today, as the Pontiff prepares to land in Beirut following an intense final morning in Istanbul. The day began at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, where he was welcomed by Patriarch Sahak II Mashalian for a moment of prayer, before moving to the Church of St George for the Divine Liturgy presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

Pope Leo XIV’s trip and the renewed call for peace

During the celebration, the Pope issued a strong reminder of the shared responsibility of Christian Churches in a time marked by conflict and violence. He stated that Catholics and Orthodox believers are called to “become builders of peace”, joining efforts to protect human dignity.
The Pontiff emphasised that peace “is not only the result of human effort but a gift from God”, to be sought through prayer, penance and spiritual discernment.

Pope Leo XIV’s trip continues with his arrival in Beirut

The Pope is expected to land in Beirut at 3:45 pm (local time), where he will be welcomed by Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister and the Maronite Patriarch. He will then travel to the presidential palace for the official courtesy visit.

The Lebanese agenda of Pope Leo XIV

Later in the afternoon, Pope Leo XIV will meet privately with the Speaker of the National Assembly, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister.
A symbolic moment of the day will be the planting of the cedar of friendship in the presidential palace gardens, with Cardinal Parolin and the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch taking part.

The day will conclude with a meeting with state authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, where the Pope will deliver another address. Pope Leo XIV’s trip will continue in Lebanon until Tuesday.

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