Pope Leo XIV is considering Lebanon for his first journey abroad, a visit that would call for peace and dialogue in the Middle East.
Archbishop Paul Sayah, vicar general of the Maronite Patriarchate, told the BBC that the Vatican is “studying” the trip but waiting for official dates. His remarks echoed those of Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, who told Al-Arabiya that the pope “will visit Lebanon” between now and December, though final confirmation rests with Rome.
If confirmed, it would be Leo’s first foreign visit since his election in May and could coincide with his expected journey to Turkey in late November for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has already said that Leo expressed his wish to attend.
