- 10:00
From Paul VI to Benedict XVI, Lebanon has welcomed historic visits from popes, each leaving a message of peace, unity, and intercommunal dialogue. As the country continues to face ongoing crises, the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV follows this tradition and underscores the unique bond between the Vatican and the Land of the Cedars.
Lebanon has long held a special place in the heart of the Vatican. This small country, birthplace of numerous saints, has welcomed several popes over the decades, reflecting the enduring bond between the Holy See and Lebanon. Few countries in the region have maintained such a unique relationship with Rome. Because of Lebanon’s singular religious mosaic, papal visits, steeped in symbolism, have consistently sought to promote dialogue, peace and stability in a country often confronted with crises.
Paul VI: The First Historic Visit
In 1964, Pope Paul VI made a brief stopover in Beirut on his way to India to meet Maronite Patriarch Paul Pierre Meouchi. Brief as it was, this encounter inaugurated a direct dialogue between the Vatican and Lebanon, marking the beginning of a special attention to the country. The gesture underscored Lebanon’s role as a spiritual and diplomatic crossroads in the region.
John Paul II: A Defining Visit
John Paul II’s visit to Lebanon on May 10 and 11, 1997, remains one of the most emblematic moments in the history of relations between the Vatican and the country.
Seven years after the end of the civil war, the pope arrived with a clear message: unity and reconciliation among Lebanon’s diverse communities. His stops in Beirut and Harissa allowed him to meet both religious and civil authorities and to address vast crowds gathered to hear him. It was during this visit that he delivered his famous statement, “Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message,” highlighting Lebanon’s role as a symbol of religious coexistence and dialogue between East and West.
Through his words, he urged the Lebanese to build a future of peace and solidarity while respecting their cultural and religious diversity. The visit left a lasting mark, reinforcing Lebanon’s image as a symbol of religious coexistence and strengthening its ties with the Holy See.
Benedict XVI: A Call to Reject Violence
In September 2012, Benedict XVI visited Lebanon amid a fragile regional context shaped by the repercussions of the Arab Spring and the war in neighboring Syria, which brought growing instability and an influx of displaced people to the country.
Over three days, he traveled to Beirut, Jounieh, and Harissa, meeting both religious and civil authorities. He urged the Lebanese to reject violence and work toward a future of solidarity among all communities. His message was unequivocal: to turn away from violence and strengthen bonds of unity across the nation.
During the visit, he signed the apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente (The Church in the Middle East), urging Christians to remain in the region and persevere in their pursuit of peace. His visit was seen as a breath of hope and an essential source of moral support for the country.
Lebanon at the Heart of the Angelus
Even popes who have not visited the country evoke Lebanon in their public addresses.
Pope Francis’s moving words in support of Lebanon, delivered during the Angelus on Sunday, August 9, following the twin explosions at the Port of Beirut on Tuesday, testify powerfully to the deep bond between the Land of the Cedars and the See of Peter.
These statements serve as a reminder that Lebanon remains close to the heart of the Vatican, even from afar.
A New Pope Expected in Lebanon: What Are the Implications?
The visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for November 30 to December 2, 2025, has stirred considerable anticipation.
His itinerary will include stops in Annaya, Harissa, and Bkerkeh, meetings with young people and religious leaders, as well as visits to Deir El Salib Hospital and the Port of Beirut, ending with a Mass in the capital. The visit could reinforce Lebanon’s role as a symbol of religious coexistence, foster dialogue between communities, and bring valuable international attention.
For Lebanese Christians, this pilgrimage is a significant source of moral support, reminding them that their country continues to occupy a special place in the heart of the Vatican.
Beyond diplomacy and symbolism, the visit conveys above all a message of hope: that Lebanon can remain a beacon of coexistence and faith in a region often shaken by crises.
Comments