Pope Leo XIV arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday, following recent Israeli air strikes on the city. This marks his first international trip since ascending to the papacy. During his visit to Turkey prior to Lebanon, he demonstrated an approach focused on diplomacy as he navigated his roles as both spiritual leader and head of state.
In contrast to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was known for his candid interactions with the press, Pope Leo’s communication style is characterized by careful wording and a gentle demeanor. His previous messages conveyed a sense of urgency regarding global issues, including the misuse of religion to justify violence and the pressing need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Upon arriving in Lebanon, a nation facing significant governance challenges, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of political leaders dedicating themselves to their citizens. He described his mission as a “messenger of peace,” resonating deeply with the local populace. Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi noted the significance of the Pope’s visit during Lebanon’s ongoing struggles, stating it offers hope to a nation feeling abandoned.
His presence was notably welcomed across religious lines, with both Christian and Muslim communities participating in the visit. Hezbollah, the Shia political party, extended greetings and expressed appreciation for the Pope’s attendance despite its contentious status internationally.
Pope Leo’s agenda includes meetings with various religious leaders to promote unity among different faiths. However, some local voices have expressed disappointment regarding the Pope’s lack of engagement with areas most affected by conflict. There remains skepticism about the effectiveness of fostering unity in a landscape marked by ongoing political divides.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgrwedyr0eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss