Pope Leo's Peace Mission to Lebanon Amid Tensions

Pope Leo is headed to Lebanon to promote peace in a region under constant threat from Israeli airstrikes. This visit marks the final stop of his first international trip since becoming pope. He arrives from Turkey, where he spent four days emphasizing the dangers of global conflicts and condemning violence in the name of religion. 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 dealing with the aftermath of a war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which resulted in a significant Israeli offensive. Lebanon's leaders are concerned about the possibility of increased Israeli strikes in the coming months, especially with the country already struggling with economic issues and hosting a large number of refugees. Both Hezbollah and Lebanon's diverse communities have expressed hope that Pope Leo's visit will bring some relief and a glimmer of hope. The pope's itinerary is packed, with visits to five cities and towns over three days. He will not travel to the southern regions, which are the main targets of Israeli strikes. During his stay, Pope Leo will participate in various activities, including a prayer at the site of a devastating 2020 chemical explosion at the Beirut port. He will also lead an outdoor Mass on the Beirut waterfront and visit a psychiatric hospital, one of the few mental health facilities in the country. The staff and residents are eagerly awaiting his arrival. 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, which surprised 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.