RECAP: Pope Leo in Lebanon Following his historic visit to Turkey, Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first apostolic journey to Lebanon, a nation known as the land of cedars. Lebanon has been deeply marked by conflict and crisis, including recent bombings and years of economic collapse. Its people are looking to the pope\u2019s visit with great hope, seeing in it a symbol of unity, peace, and renewal. For many Lebanese, the pope\u2019s presence represents a source of enduring encouragement, \u201cto bring hope, Christian hope that is for everybody, for Christians and not Christians, hope that never dies, that never lets you down. I expect that hearts would be touched by his message.\u201d Vescovo Jule added, \u201ca few days after the bombing of Beirut, he did not withdraw; he did not cancel his visit. For us, this is a very courageous act \u2014 to come here, to a country at war, to bring peace, to build peace together.\u201d The pope began his morning in profound stillness at the tomb of Saint Charbel, a Maronite monk venerated across multiple religions and canonized by Pope Paul VI. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope to pray at Saint Charbel\u2019s monastery, making this visit a symbol of solidarity and interreligious coexistence, as Muslims also come here on pilgrimage. From Saint Charbel\u2019s monastery, Pope Leo traveled to Harissa, home to the Marian sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon. Since 1908, this shrine has been a spiritual center, a place of pilgrimage, and a hub for interfaith dialogue. The Rector of the Sanctuary of Harissa explained: \u201cfor Muslims and Christians \u2014 because they too venerate the Madonna \u2014 Mary is also present in the Qur\u2019an; they have great esteem and respect for the Madonna.\u201d The pope met with clergy, religious, and pastoral workers in a moment that combined prayer with a strong expression of communion and unity within the Church. Later in the day, thousands of young people from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and across the Middle East gathered to welcome the pope. The vibrant event highlighted Lebanon\u2019s youthful energy and its deep desire for a peaceful, shared future. Several young attendees shared their excitement: \u201cTo be honest, I am really happy to see the pope to meet him as you can see it’s a very big joy to gather all of us, all the youth of all Christians to meet the pope to listen and to see what he has to say to us.\u201d \u201cThis is Lebanon, our church is always alive, every event you can see all this youth\u2026 and we are so honoured to welcome pope Leo in our land and in our homes, because today he unites us, the youth of the whole Lebanon and as you can see everybody is happy.\u201d Lebanon is home to one of the Middle East\u2019s largest Christian populations, which makes up roughly 30 percent of the country\u2019s population, living alongside Muslims and other minority communities. Pope Leo addressed the young generation directly:\u201cThere is hope within you, a gift that we adults seem to have lost. You have more time to dream, to plan and to do good.\u201d His message underscored the importance of hope, dialogue, and active engagement in shaping Lebanon\u2019s future. Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Magdalena Wolinska-Riedi Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis Among World Leaders Marking Today, World Water Day 2 Syrian girls share \u2018moving testimony\u2019 at Jubilee of Youth event Pope Francis \u2018Deeply Saddened\u2019 By New Orleans Attack, Offers Prayers Builders AI Forum: A.I. at the Church’s Service Pope Leo XIV explains why Christian hope is better than optimism Pope Francis shows his closeness to those affected by serious flooding in Italy<\/p>\n