Politics Leo XIV in Lebanon - Great expectations of the "Pope of Peace"
In Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation in the war-torn and crisis-ridden country. The head of the Catholic Church is visiting the country as part of his first trip abroad since his election just over six months ago. He arrived in Beirut on Sunday, having previously traveled to Turkey. Leo had already announced before his visit to Lebanon that he wanted to "proclaim the message of peace in the Middle East once again".
30.11.2025, 18:21
SDA
"Here, peace is a longing and a calling, a gift and an ever-open building site," said the Pontiff at a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. At the same time, he called on Lebanon's political leaders to be true "peacemakers" and to put aside their differences in the face of the country's difficulties.
In Beirut, Leo also met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Head of Government Nauaf Salam. The Pope also planted a cedar tree in the garden of the presidential palace. The cedar is the national symbol of Lebanon and is depicted on its flag.
Great hope among the Lebanese
Hundreds of Lebanese gathered on the side of the road leading to the presidential palace for Leo's arrival. Many waved Lebanese flags. Numerous welcome posters were hung along the route. One read: "Dear Pope, pray for our wounded country, Lebanon".
A resident of Beirut waiting for the Pope told the German Press Agency: "I am overjoyed." She hoped the high visit would bring peace to the country. Another man expressed the hope that all Lebanese would be blessed by the visit of the head of the church.
The Al-Mahdi Scouts of Hezbollah waved Lebanese flags and Hezbollah flags in front of two buildings destroyed in the war with Israel to greet the Pope on his way to the presidential palace. The Shiite organization had called on the Pope on Saturday to denounce Israel's "injustice and aggression".
Lebanon strongly divided along religious lines
Around 30 percent of the population in Lebanon is Christian. Around 70 percent are Muslims, about half of whom are followers of the Shiite and half of the Sunni branch of Islam. Other religious communities such as the Druze also live in the country, which is strongly divided along denominational lines.
Christians play a central role in the country's political system, which is based on a confessional power-sharing system: The Lebanese president is always a Christian, the head of government a Sunni and the speaker of parliament a Shiite.
In the past, religious diversity has caused conflict. During the civil war from 1975 to 1990, when an estimated 150,000 people were killed, religious denominations fought each other in changing battlefronts and alliances. There was also fighting within confessional groups.
Difficult security situation
The security situation in Lebanon is currently considered tense. Following an open war between Hezbollah and Israel, a ceasefire was concluded at the end of November last year. Nevertheless, tensions have continued. The situation has recently deteriorated significantly again. Israel attacks targets in the south of Lebanon almost daily, killing almost 120 civilians since the ceasefire came into force, according to UN figures.
Recently, the Israeli air force attacked the southern suburbs of Beirut for the first time in several months. Haitham Ali Tabatabai, the chief of staff of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah, was killed.
In view of the latest developments in Lebanon, all security precautions had been taken, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced before the trip. "The security situation had already been known for months when the trip was being prepared. Even then, all the necessary precautions were taken," he said when asked by journalists. Leo will remain in Lebanon until Tuesday.
When asked whether the Pope would be using armored vehicles during the visit, Bruni explained: "Depending on the situation, the appropriate vehicles will be used. In Turkey, Leo was driven in closed vehicles and not the usual open ones.
Glimmer of hope for peace and stability
The Pope's trip is seen in Lebanon as a sign of hope for peace and stability, particularly in view of the tense security situation. Weeks before the Pope's visit, signs had already been put up on newly repaired roads to welcome him. He is already being celebrated on them as the "Pope of Peace". Some of the signs also carry messages such as "Lebanon wants peace".
It is not only Lebanese Christians who hope that tensions will ease somewhat, at least during the Pope's visit, and that Israel will not strike any major blows. Israel accuses the Hezbollah militia of violating the ceasefire negotiated in November 2024 and thus explains its attacks.
In Lebanon, however, complicated issues await Leo in many respects: The country is in the midst of the worst economic crisis in its history. The division of power between the religious denominations is fueling corruption and political mismanagement. Around 60 percent of the population live in poverty.
