he Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon Between November 30 and December 2, during its session First international tourstarted a few days ago in Türkiye, with an intense agenda – Ankara, Istanbul and Iznik – in honor of the 1,700 years of the First Council of Nicaea. Immediately upon his arrival, expectations rose significantly in a country that has been experiencing a devastating political and economic crisis since 2019, characterized by… Frequent clashes between Israel and HezbollahThe financial collapse from which there is no escape and the corruption that is eroding daily life with increasing intensity.
After the first minute of entering Lebanese territory, the Pope’s message became clear and resounding: “Put peace before everything,” which is the slogan that permeated every meeting, every gesture, and every public intervention. Thousands welcomed him in the rain with music, flags and Maronite songs, in Beirut, which is fighting the fear of a new escalation of the war.
Some of the most powerful images were of him Visit Saint Maron MonasteryIn Annaya, where he prayed at the tomb of Saint Charbel, the country’s most revered saint. In this place he asked for peace for Lebanon and the entire Levant, and was entrusted with “The needs of the church and the worldTo the intercession of the Lebanese monks.
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There, too, the audience responded with applause, which lasted several minutes, in a collective gesture.
he Lebanon is experiencing a structural emergency: It has endured a decade of conflict, violence and political disputes, while its economy continues in free fall. At the same time, Devaluation destroyed salariesBanks have frozen deposits and more than 800,000 people – mostly young people – have migrated since 2019 in search of stability.
With regard to this political and social situation, It has been 13 years since the Pope set foot in the country.. The most recent was Benedict XVI in 2012, when Francis, who longed to travel, was never able to do so. Thus, the presence of the Pope mobilized the population once again: “We have been waiting for you,” said a banner that appeared among the crowd positioned on the roads and the surrounding area.
At the same time, after passing through the city of Annaya, he visited Shrine of Our Lady of LebanonHe was received by the Apostolic Vicar of the Latins and the Patriarch of the Armenian Church. There he repeated his message: to rebuild dialogue and prevent the country from falling into open war with Israel again, a fear that has increased in recent weeks.
When might the Pope’s visit to Argentina take place?
Pope Leo XIV expressed it publicly Your intention to visit ArgentinaThis is part of the tour that will be organized in Latin America After the jubilee year 2025 The proposal also includes trips to Uruguay, Peru and Mexico. Thus, in an informal conversation with journalists in Castel Gandolfo, he commented that he wanted to tour the region and mentioned those destinations explicitly, showing his willingness to return to a broad international agenda.
As he explained President of Uruguay, Yamado OrciLeo He stressed that the talks are progressing, although they are still ongoing Specific dates are not dealt with.
Furthermore, Leo However, he expressed his enthusiasm to move again: “I am happy to travel”He said in reference to his interest in visiting different countries in Latin America with which he has close relations.
Pope Leo XIV surprised the world by visiting the Blue Mosque and not praying like Francis
The only ongoing official trip is the one that began on November 27, which took him to Türkiye and Lebanon, two important destinations due to their historical weight and the desire of his predecessor to visit them, which he was unable to complete. In addition, versions are circulated in the Vatican About a final tour in AfricaAlthough these are just internal conversations without official announcements.
M.F.