Pope Leo XIV began his first full day in Lebanon on Monday with a solemn prayer at the tomb of a revered Lebanese saint, using the moment to call for peace, unity, and religious coexistence at a time when the region is struggling with conflict and political tension.
Thousands of Lebanese citizens lined the rain-soaked roads leading into Annaya, about 40 kilometers north of Beirut, where the pope traveled in a closed popemobile. Many waved Vatican and Lebanese flags, throwing flower petals and rice in traditional welcome as his motorcade passed.
A Historic Visit to St. Charbel’s Tomb
The pontiff’s day opened at the hilltop monastery of St. Maroun, home to the tomb of St. Charbel Makhlouf, the 19th-century Maronite monk known across Lebanon and the Middle East for miraculous healings attributed to his intercession. The site draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually—Christians and Muslims alike.
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Inside the dimly lit tomb, Pope Leo prayed silently before presenting a symbolic lamp, a gesture he described as “a gift of light and hope.”
“Today we entrust to St. Charbel the needs of the Church, of Lebanon, and of the world,” he said in French. “For the world, we ask for peace—especially for Lebanon and the entire Levant.”
His stop marked the first time a pope has ever visited St. Charbel’s burial place.
A Day Focused on Peace and Interfaith Unity
Following the visit, Pope Leo headed to Harissa to meet Catholic clergy and religious communities before leading a major interfaith gathering in Beirut with Muslim and Christian leaders. The event is expected to highlight his overarching message: healing divisions and encouraging coexistence.
His trip comes during a turbulent period for Lebanon—still reeling from years of economic collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and renewed internal political divisions.
Tension has escalated further since calls intensified for Hezbollah to disarm after its conflict with Israel caused widespread destruction.
Security along the pope’s route has been heightened, with Lebanese troops stationed along major roads. In contrast to his predecessor Pope Francis, who often traveled in open vehicles, Pope Leo’s schedule has been marked by increased precautions.
Later in the evening, he is expected to meet thousands of young people at Bkerki, the headquarters of the Maronite Church, urging them not to abandon Lebanon despite its ongoing challenges.
Urging Christians Not to Leave Lebanon
Pope Leo’s three-day visit began Sunday after arriving from Turkey. His final engagements include prayers at the site of the Beirut port blast and a large waterfront Mass.
During his opening address, he appealed to Lebanon’s leaders to work together, warning that political divisions threaten the country’s social fabric. He also delivered a heartfelt plea for Lebanese Christians—who make up roughly one third of the population—to remain in their homeland.
Lebanon remains the only Arab country where a Christian serves as head of state, due to a long-standing power-sharing arrangement.
Despite widespread emigration, Lebanon’s Christian community continues to survive in the region even as Christian populations in Iraq and Syria have sharply declined following years of conflict and the rise of extremist groups.
A Determined Community
The crowds in Annaya reflected that resilience.
“We will stay here,” said May Noon, who had come early to see the pontiff. “No one can uproot us. We must live together as brothers—our church sees no enemy.”
Others traveled from far beyond Lebanon’s borders. Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay led a 60-member delegation from the Lebanese diaspora community in Australia to welcome the pope and stand in support of Lebanon’s Christians.
“Even those living abroad feel the responsibility to help families remain here,” he said. “We do not want to see more young people leaving.”
He added that Lebanese Christians were deeply moved that Pope Leo chose Lebanon for his first international papal trip.
“He sees the suffering. He sees the despair. And he came to remind the people: You are not forgotten.”
