Pope Leo XIV poised to make Lebanon his first foreign visit

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.

The significance of Lebanon is not lost on the Vatican. Benedict XVI’s last foreign journey was to Beirut in September 2012, while John Paul II famously described the country as “more than a nation, it is a message.” Francis had long intended to travel there but was prevented by instability in the region; he died on 21 April without realising that hope.

The situation remains fraught as Israel continues near-daily strikes across the border, Hezbollah refuses to disarm, and Lebanon struggles under the weight of economic collapse and a refugee influx. Yet the country remains the Middle East’s most Christian nation, with roughly one-third of its population belonging to the faith.

Archbishop Sayah stressed Lebanon’s symbolic role to the BBC, stating: “It’s one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians are living together and respecting each other… so it sends a message to the region.”

For a pontificate that has already spoken of fraternity, dialogue, and peace, Beirut may yet provide the stage. As the archbishop concluded: “If the pope adds his voice and concern, I think it’s likely to have some impact.”

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