Lebanon’s Christians Look to Pope Leo’s Visit for a Message of Hope and Peace

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Christina GoldbaumNovember 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for his first overseas trip, met by President Joseph Aoun and other political leaders. The visit, the first since 2012, comes at a time of political uncertainty following a war between Israel and Hezbollah. Christians from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq gathered to greet the Pope and assert their presence in the region amid declining numbers. The Pope is expected to deliver a message of peace and encourage Christians to remain in the Middle East. He will also say Mass at the Beirut port, the site of a devastating explosion five years ago. The visit occurs amid sectarian divisions and fears of renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Joseph Aoun 50% Naim Qassem 60% Israel ×470% Hezbollah ×380% Pope Leo XIV ×9100% Lebanon ×8100%

Keywords

pope leo xiv visit 100% lebanon 90% peace 80% christians 80% middle east 70% sectarian divisions 60% political uncertainty 60% israeli strikes 50% hezbollah 50% message of hope 40%