Pope Leo's Peace Mission to Lebanon Amid Tensions

Pope Leo is set to visit Lebanon to advocate for peace in a region under constant threat from Israeli airstrikes. This visit is the final stop of his first international trip since becoming pope, following a four-day stay in Turkey, where he emphasized the dangers of global conflicts and condemned violence in the name of religion.

A Region in Turmoil

Lebanon, home to the largest Christian population in the Middle East, has been heavily affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The country is also grappling with the aftermath of a war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which led to a significant Israeli offensive. Lebanon's leaders fear increased Israeli strikes in the coming months, especially as the nation struggles with economic issues and hosts a large number of refugees.

A Beacon of Hope

Both Hezbollah and Lebanon's diverse communities have expressed hope that Pope Leo's visit will bring relief and a glimmer of hope. His itinerary is packed, with visits to five cities and towns over three days. Notably, he will not travel to the southern regions, which are the main targets of Israeli strikes.

A Schedule of Significance

During his stay, Pope Leo will:

• Pray at the site of a devastating 2020 chemical explosion at the Beirut port.
• Lead an outdoor Mass on the Beirut waterfront.
• Visit a psychiatric hospital, one of the few mental health facilities in the country.

The staff and residents are eagerly awaiting his arrival.

A Historic Visit to Istanbul

Pope Leo's visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque was notable as it was his first visit to a Muslim place of worship as pope. He showed respect by removing his shoes but did not pray as initially planned, surprising Vatican officials. This trip is crucial for Pope Leo as it is his first opportunity to address an international audience and interact with people outside of Italy.