Pope Leo XIV blesses children upon his arrival at Beirut's international airport, Lebanon, on November 30, 2025. LEBANESE PRESIDENCY PRESS OFFICE / AP
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, November 30, called on the Lebanese people to embrace reconciliation and to remain in their divided, crisis-hit country, which has seen waves of emigration. Arriving from Turkey on his first international trip, the American pope brought a message of peace for the country, while also urging its leaders to put themselves fully "at the service of your people."
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Pope's visit to Lebanon brings 'breath of fresh air' for a country under military and political pressure
Lebanon has been mired in a years-long economic collapse, and many in the country also fear a return to war after a recent conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
