Pope Leo to Al Mayadeen: Lebanon visit brings message of hope, peace

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 03:01

Pope Leo XIV will visit Lebanon from November 30 to December 2 as part of his first foreign tour since taking office.

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Pope Leo XIV leaves after a Mass for the Jubilee of the Choirs in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP)

Pope Leo XIV is bringing a "message of peace and hope" to Lebanon during his upcoming visit, he told Al Mayadeen's correspondent in the Vatican, relaying his happiness about the occasion.

The visit, which is part of the Pope’s first foreign tour since he assumed the position in May 2025, reflects the Vatican’s broader outreach during the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Speaking about the significance of the upcoming year, the Pope stated, “This year will be the Jubilee Year of Hope, and this will be very important for all of us.” His visit to Lebanon is expected to carry a spiritual and symbolic weight, echoing the Vatican's message of unity and resilience in challenging times.

- سعيد جداً لزيارة #لبنان والرسالة ستكون رسالة سلام وأمل.

- هذه السنة ستكون سنة يوبيل الأمل وهذا سيكون مهماً جداً لنا جميعاً.

البابا لاوون الرابع عشر لموفد #الميادين إلى الفاتيكان.@mikchalhoub007 #الميادين pic.twitter.com/qdOWzCl4vD
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) November 25, 2025

According to the official program, Pope Leo XIV is set to arrive in Beirut on November 30, 2025 and will remain in the country until December 2, 2025. His visit will begin with a reception at Rafic Hariri International Airport, followed by meetings with Lebanon's top state officials, including the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Prime Minister. He will also meet civil society representatives and the diplomatic corps.

Visit still on despite Israeli aggression

Monsignor Abdo Abou Kassem, Head of the Lebanese Catholic Media Center, had confirmed to Al Mayadeen on Monday that the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, scheduled for early December, remains firmly on track.

Abou Kassem dismissed reports suggesting the visit might be cancelled, stressing that such claims are "entirely baseless." He reiterated that no changes have been made to the Pope's itinerary and that preparations are complete to welcome "the distinguished guest."

The confirmation came one day after the Israeli occupation launched an attack on Beirut's Southern Suburb, specifically targeting the Haret Hreik area.

The assault resulted in the martyrdom of senior Hezbollah commander Haitham Ali Tabatabai, along with several others accompanying him: Qassem Barjaoui, Mustafa Berro, Rifaat Hussein, and Ibrahim Hussein.