Pope Leo departed Istanbul on Sunday for Lebanon, embarking on the second and final leg of his maiden overseas trip as head of the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s visit comes at a critical moment for a nation grappling with intensified Israeli air strikes, deepening political uncertainty, and fears of a wider regional conflict.
The first U.S. pontiff in history, Pope Leo concludes a four-day visit to Turkey where he cautioned that humanity’s future “was at risk” due to the world’s alarming proliferation of violent conflicts.
Leo strongly condemned the use of religion to justify bloodshed, saying such acts “betray the very faith they claim to defend.”
The head of the Catholic church is expected to meet Lebanon’s president and prime minister before delivering an address to national leaders — the second time he will speak directly to a foreign government since assuming the papacy in May.
Leo’s Visit Shaped by Conflict and Concern
Lebanon, home to one of the Middle East’s largest Christian population, has been destabilised by the spillover from the Gaza war, including fierce clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.
The conflict has escalated into what Lebanese officials describe as one of the most devastating Israeli offensive in years, leaving communities bracing for a potentially harsher phase of strikes
As Pope Leo begins his engagements in Beirut, expectations are high. Lebanon’s fractured political landscape, economic collapse, and exposure to regional warfare have left many desperate for moral authority — and international attention.
Whether his message of peace can help temper the volatility in Lebanon remains uncertain, but for many in the region, the symbolism alone carries hope.
About the Author
