BEIRUT: Pope Leo XIV sets foot on Lebanese soil on Sunday in a visit that Lebanese officials describe as “historic in terms of timing and content.” It comes amid fears of a new bloody phase, as the year-old ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to unravel. The Pope’s carefully selected three-day itinerary is packed with meetings, including with the president, parliamentarians and ministers, as well as visits to the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa. In addition, he will offer a silent prayer at the site of the Aug.

He will gather with leaders of other Christian traditions in Nicaea and celebrate Mass in Beirut.

BEIRUT: Militant group Hezbollah on Saturday urged Pope Leo XIV to reject Israeli “injustice and aggression” against Lebanon, in a message to the pontiff who arrives in Beirut…