Reporter’s Notebook: On the papal plane and beyond — covering Pope Leo XIV’s first foreign trip
Watch: Pope Leo's plea for peace in Christmas message
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Pope Leo XIV concluded his first foreign trip, a six-day pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon. The trip concluded in Beirut, a city still recovering from the devastating 2020 port explosion. The Pope paid homage to the victims at the port, offering a silent prayer and lighting a lamp. The visit occurred amidst Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis and heightened security concerns. Eighty journalists, known as VAMPS (Vatican Accredited Media Personnel), from 15 countries covered the trip. The journalists anticipated an in-flight press conference with the Pope on the return flight to Rome, debating potential questions. The trip, originally planned for Pope Francis, included a visit to Turkey before concluding in Lebanon.
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AI-ExtractedPope Leo confirmed the Vatican's support of a two-state solution [in Gaza], but insisted, 'Israel is our friend.'
Vatican press officer Salvatore Scolozzi did roll call for 80 journalists accredited for the trip.
The Lebanese government has not concluded its investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
A blast in Beirut's port on Aug. 4, 2020, killed over 200, injured thousands, and left over 300,000 homeless.
Pope Leo XIV's first foreign trip was a six-day pilgrimage to the Middle East, concluding in Beirut.
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