Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace in Lebanon, Urges Unity Amid Crisis

UPDATE: Pope Leo XIV has just completed a powerful prayer for peace at the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf in Annaya, Lebanon, marking a significant moment during his visit to a nation facing deep turmoil. Thousands of Lebanese, undeterred by steady rain, lined the streets to welcome the Pope as he emphasized the urgent need for coexistence among Christians and Muslims in a region plagued by conflict.

The Pope’s visit, unfolding today, July 15, 2025, is the first by a pontiff to the revered site of St. Charbel, a Lebanese Maronite hermit famed for his miracles. Gathered amidst the hills about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Beirut, supporters waved flags and showered flower petals on his popemobile, showcasing the people’s hope for peace.

During his visit, Leo XIV is set to hold meetings with Catholic clergy in Harissa and engage in an interfaith gathering with leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities in Beirut. His message is clear: peace must prevail, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon’s escalating political tensions.

As Lebanon grapples with an economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut port blast, the Pope’s presence serves as a beacon of hope. He challenged local leaders to set aside their differences and become true peacemakers. Notably, he addressed the Christian community, urging them to remain in Lebanon, which currently has around 1.5 million Christians, making it the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East.

May Noon, a pilgrim at the St. Charbel Monastery, expressed her commitment: “We will stay here. No one can uproot us from this country.” Her words reflect the determination of many Lebanese Christians to endure despite the challenges facing their homeland.

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, who accompanied a group from the diaspora in Australia, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting Lebanese youth and families to remain in their ancestral land. “We don’t like to see more and more people leaving Lebanon, especially the Christians,” he stated.

Pope Leo XIV will conclude his day with a rally for Lebanese youth at Bkerki, where he will encourage them to persevere and resist the urge to emigrate. This rally comes at a critical time, as many young people consider leaving the country due to ongoing hardships.

The Pope’s visit is a historic moment, highlighting the importance of peace and unity in Lebanon during a time when the nation stands at a crossroads. As he prepares to wrap up his visit tomorrow with a prayer at the site of the Beirut port blast, his message of hope resonates deeply with a population yearning for stability and unity.

Witnesses and officials alike are hopeful that this visit will inspire not only religious leaders but also the entire Lebanese community to embrace coexistence and collaboration amidst adversity. The world is watching as Pope Leo XIV makes history, reminding all that they are not forgotten.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Pope Leo XIV continues to advocate for peace and healing in Lebanon.