Pope Visits Lebanon Today; Beirut Prepares for His Arrival
Pope Leo XIV, leader of the Catholic Church, arrived this afternoon at Beirut’s rafic Hariri International Airport to begin his visit to Lebanon.His trip will last until december 2.
The itinerary includes official and humanitarian meetings. Upon arrival, President General Joseph Aoun will host a formal reception at the Presidential Palace.The Pope will also lead a large-scale Mass in downtown Beirut expected to draw over 120,000 attendees.
The Pope plans to meet with religious leaders from various faiths to encourage dialog and unity. He aims to revive Lebanon’s historic role as a platform for interfaith convergence and understanding.
The committee organizing the visit detailed extensive logistical and security preparations. Twenty-one artillery salutes will mark the Pope’s arrival, while more than 1,350 journalists both local and international are accredited to cover the event.
this visit comes amid one of Lebanon’s most challenging periods-marked by economic turmoil, political instability, and security concerns-and seeks to provide spiritual support.
according to al-Nashra website reports on the schedule: The Pope arrives at Beirut airport at 3:45 p.m., followed by an official welcoming ceremony. At 4:45 p.m., he meets President Aoun at Baabda Presidential Palace. Subsequent visits include Speaker of Parliament at 5:15 p.m., followed by Prime Minister at 5:30 p.m. The day concludes with a gathering at 6 p.m. involving officials, civil society representatives, and diplomats where he delivers an official address.
His spiritual and public engagements continue on the second day of his visit. on the third and final day at 8:30 a.m., he visits Sisters of the Holy cross Hospital in Jall el-Dib before proceeding to Beirut port for a moment of silent prayer commemorating last year’s blast tragedy scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m., he celebrates another Mass along Beirut’s coastline before departing midday Tuesday for Rome International Airport.
