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| “Lebanon is a country of pluralism and diversity. This is how it was born, this is how it grew, and this is how it must remain.” |
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Pope Leo’s visit to Lebanon will be a call for unity and peace
By Joseph Kosseifi, Head of Press Editors Syndicate 06/10/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: In an article published on 21 July in Al-Jumhuriya, titled “The Vatican Afraid of Diversity: Will the Pope Visit Lebanon in November?”, I outlined the reasons that prompted Pope Leo XIV to visit Lebanon. This marks the fourth papal visit to the country.
The first papal visit was by Pope Paul VI, who stopped briefly at Beirut International Airport for 50 minutes on 2 December 1964 en route to Mumbai. He was received by the President of the Republic, senior officials, and Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders. Though brief, his visit carried symbolic weight, as he offered blessings and a message of concern for Lebanon’s future.
Pope John Paul II’s visit, which took place on 10–11 May 1997, was the first official visit by the head of the Catholic Church worldwide. His purpose was to deliver the Apostolic Exhortation Hope for Lebanon, emanating from the synod held that same year.
The third visit, made by Pope Benedict XVI from 14–16 September 2012, was to present the Apostolic Exhortation to the Bishops of the Middle East, following the special synod held in October 2010. The visit carried a message of peace and a call for religious freedom throughout the Middle East.
Building on this legacy of engagement, the upcoming visit by Pope Leo carries renewed significance. Tentatively scheduled for 30 November to 2 December, it promises to be a remarkable occasion, though the date remains unconfirmed.
A national committee led by First Lady Nemat Aoun has been formed to organise all the arrangements for this historic event. The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Information, as well as the leadership of the Army, Internal Security Forces, General Security, and State Security. In parallel, the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops has formed a committee headed by Archbishop Michel Aoun, Pastor of the Maronite Diocese of Byblos, to coordinate between church and state.
During his visit, the Pope will stay at the Papal Embassy in Harissa and meet with President Joseph Aoun, the Speakers of Parliament, Prime Minister Nabih Berri, and Nawaf Salam at the Presidential Palace. He will also meet young people in Bkerke and host a landmark ecumenical gathering, bringing together leaders of Christian and Muslim communities in Martyrs’ Square, in the centre of the capital, where a dedicated pavilion will be set up for this purpose. The visit will conclude with a papal Mass on the Beirut waterfront before his departure from Rafik Hariri International Airport.
Amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to minority communities, the visit takes place at a volatile international and regional time. The dangers facing minorities in Syria are increasing, echoing the persecution faced by minorities in Iraq following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003.
Sources close to the preparations for the visit indicate that Pope Leo intends to deliver five key messages from Beirut:
1. Ending wars and conflicts and adopting peace as the inevitable solution. There can be no solution amid fire and destruction, regardless of who possesses the power or the ability to achieve military victory.
2. Respecting human freedom and the right to a dignified and secure life. No party or force has the right to deprive anyone of this right.
3. Lebanon is a country of pluralism and diversity. This is how it was born, how it grew, and how it must remain. All must come together under the umbrella of universal values, the right to differ, and the ability to live together. They must also take care not to harm this civilised face of Lebanon, as distorting it will have serious repercussions.
4. The ecumenical meeting is a testament to the shared Christian–Muslim desire to continue dialogue between these two religions for the good of humanity and world peace.
5. Christians in Lebanon are urged to act as mediators of goodwill among the country’s diverse sects, to understand each other’s concerns, engage positively, and strengthen the foundations of peace among them.
Undoubtedly, the visit of the Supreme Pontiff at this critical juncture in the history of the region and Lebanon is a message of support to the Covenant, particularly to President Joseph Aoun, who faces significant pressures from various sources. It is also a message of support to Lebanon, both to the state and its institutions, and above all to the Lebanese people, regardless of their sectarian affiliation.
The Vatican remains steadfast in its principles, viewing Lebanon as a beacon of coexistence that transcends its geographical borders. Its humanitarian adventure is worthy of the sacrifices made. Safeguarding Lebanon’s unity and encouraging its people to persevere is a moral imperative. The interest of Christians lies in remaining steadfast in their land, facing challenges no matter how severe the difficulties, and interacting positively with other sects to ensure Lebanon's survival. |
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