Politics Pope Leo XIV continues his first trip abroad in Lebanon
Pope Leo XIV has landed in Lebanon for a visit as part of his first trip abroad. The head of the Catholic Church arrived in the Lebanese capital Beirut this afternoon after his stay in Turkey. In the war-torn country, Leo's visit is seen as a sign of hope for peace and stability.
30.11.2025, 14:51
SDA
Around 30 percent of the population in Lebanon are Christians. 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.
In the past, religious diversity has caused conflict. During the civil war from 1975 to 1990, when an estimated 150,000 people were killed, denominations fought each other in changing battlefronts and alliances. There was also fighting within confessional groups.
Leo wants to spread the call for peace in the Middle East
The security situation in Lebanon is currently considered tense. Following an open war between Hezbollah and Israel, a ceasefire was signed at the end of November last year. Nevertheless, tensions have continued. The situation has recently worsened significantly again. Israel attacks targets in southern Lebanon on an almost daily basis, recently again in the southern Beirut suburbs.
Weeks before the Pope's visit, signs were put up on newly repaired roads to welcome Leo. He is already being celebrated on them as the "Pope of Peace". Some of the signs also carry messages of hope, such as "Lebanon wants peace". Leo has already announced his intention to "proclaim the message of peace in the Middle East once again".
