Pope Leo XIV waves as he boards a flight back to the Vatican after his visit to Lebanon at Beirut International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, December 2, 2025. HUSSEIN MALLA / AP
Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and said the Middle East needed new approaches for peace on Tuesday, December 2, as he finished a three-day trip to the country by urging an end to divisions.
A 150,000-strong mass at Beirut's waterfront was the highlight of the trip by the Catholic leader, who arrived on Sunday after visiting Turkey on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff. He has received a jubilant welcome in a nation beset by a years-long economic collapse and which is still reeling from a war last year between Israel and militant group Hezbollah, with many fearing renewed hostilities.
Noting that he was unable to visit all of the country, Pope Leo expressed his "aspiration for peace, along with a heartfelt appeal: may the attacks and hostilities cease."
Israel has kept up strikes on Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah and has escalated attacks in recent weeks – but has not announced any raids during the pope's visit. Under heavy pressure, Lebanon's government has committed to disarming the Iran-backed group, which has rejected the idea.
