Pope Leo XIV calls for 'divine peace' in historic Lebanon visit

WISE NEWS PRESS / BEIRUT, Lebanon — Dec. 2, 2025

Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, has described Lebanon’s tradition of interfaith coexistence as a "beacon of hope" for the conflict-ridden region during a historic visit where he joined Christian and Muslim leaders in a call for "divine peace."

Arriving in a country grappling with economic collapse and political instability, the Pope was welcomed with enthusiasm. At an interfaith gathering in Beirut's Martyrs' Square, he stood alongside Maronite, Sunni, Shia, and Druze leaders, emphasizing unity over division.

'Fear cannot have the last word'

Following recitations from the Bible and the Quran, Pope Leo praised the Lebanese people for embracing diversity. "In an age where coexistence seems like a distant dream, the people of Lebanon remind us that fear, distrust, and prejudice cannot have the last word," he stated.

As a symbol of lasting peace, the religious leaders planted an olive sapling together at the conclusion of the event.

A visit during turbulent times

The papal visit comes at a delicate moment for Lebanon, following months of cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. Youssef Nasr, Secretary General of Catholic Schools in Lebanon, noted that the visit provides "new impetus for the Lebanese to stand up and hold on to their country."

Grand Mufti Abdul-Latif Derian welcomed the Pope by recalling the 2019 "Document on Human Fraternity" signed by Pope Francis, stating, "Lebanon is the land of this message."

Urging Christians to stay

With Christians making up about a third of its population, Lebanon holds significant importance for the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV encouraged the Christian community to remain in their ancestral homeland despite the ongoing challenges, reinforcing the Vatican's view of Lebanon as a vital stronghold for the Church in the Middle East.

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