Beirut: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut on Sunday as part of his first overseas trip since assuming the papacy in May, having traveled from Trkiye. The pope was greeted at Rafik Hariri International Airport by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. Crowds lined the route from the airport to the presidential palace in Baabda to welcome him.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lebanon extended a warm welcome to the pontiff, a visit seen as timely during a critical period for the nation. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos highlighted on the US social media platform X that over 1,000 journalists are covering this significant event. He expressed that the visit brings substantial hope to a populace grappling with various crises.
The pope departed from Trkiye early Sunday, receiving a send-off in Istanbul by senior Turkish officials. His stay in Lebanon spans three days, featuring a series of engagements including meetings with key government figures, civil society groups, and diplomats. Following these, he will relocate to the apostolic nunciature in Harissa.
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Annaya, where he will pray at the Shrine of Saint Charbel at the Mar Charbel monastery. He will also have interactions with bishops, priests, and pastoral workers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and engage in a private meeting with Catholic patriarchs at the nunciature. The day's events will also encompass an interfaith and ecumenical gathering in Martyrs' Square and a session with young people at the Maronite patriarchal complex in Bkerke.
The following day, the pope will visit the Sisters of the Cross Hospital in Jal el-Dib to meet with medical staff and patients, and hold a silent prayer at the Beirut port blast site. The visit will conclude with a Mass on Beirut's waterfront, followed by an official farewell ceremony at the airport.