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Pope Leo XIV arrives in Beirut amid regional tensions
Pope Leo XIV landed in Beirut on Monday, marking his first foreign trip as pontiff with a visit to Lebanon just days after Israeli airstrikes targeted the capital. The journey follows a three-day diplomatic tour of Turkey, offering early insights into his approach as both spiritual leader and head of the Vatican state.
A measured diplomat in turbulent times
Known for his deliberate demeanor, the Pope's choice of Lebanon-a nation deeply affected by conflict-as his inaugural destination signals a calculated diplomatic statement. Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose spontaneous remarks occasionally required clarification from Vatican officials, Pope Leo's interactions with journalists remain composed and carefully considered.
Six months into his papacy, the Chicago-born pontiff appears to be absorbing the weight of his role. Moments of visible emotion, such as during a Mass at Istanbul's Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, hint at the personal gravity of leading over a billion Catholics. There, surrounded by Turkey's small Christian community, he seemed to pause, visibly moved.
Strong words on global conflicts
Despite his reserved manner, Pope Leo has not shied away from bold statements. Standing alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he criticized powerful nations for wielding economic and military dominance, warning that such actions threaten humanity's future. At an event commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, he condemned the use of religion to justify war, violence, or extremism.
En route to Beirut, he addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, asserting that a lasting solution must include a Palestinian state. While acknowledging Israel's current opposition to this, he reaffirmed the Vatican's role as a mediator, emphasizing, "We are friends with Israel."
Lebanon's fractured welcome
In Lebanon, a country grappling with governance crises, the Pope's first act was to urge political leaders to prioritize service to their people. His visit has been met with widespread anticipation, particularly among Lebanon's Christian community, which constitutes roughly a third of the population. Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi, leader of the Maronite Catholic Church, told the BBC the visit "means a lot" and brings "hope" to a nation feeling abandoned.
Even Hezbollah, the Shia Muslim group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and U.K., extended a public welcome, describing the Pope's presence as "honourable" in an open letter. Hezbollah flags joined Lebanese and Vatican banners along the motorcade route from the airport.
Criticism and limitations
Not all reactions have been positive. Some Lebanese Christians, like Geryes Jabbour from the border village of Sarda, expressed disappointment that the Pope did not visit areas directly affected by the conflict. "No one has even asked about us," Jabbour told reporters, reflecting frustration among southern communities.
In Turkey, observers noted the Pope's silence on domestic issues such as the suppression of opposition figures and the imprisonment of journalists. Meanwhile, his attempt to unite Christian traditions at a historic council anniversary was undermined by the absence of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Bridge-builder or cautious reformer?
Pope Leo has positioned himself as a unifier-between faiths, Christian denominations, and even within a divided Catholic Church. Yet his cautious approach contrasts with Pope Francis's early urgency. Where Francis acted as though his papacy might last only a few years, Leo appears to be measuring his steps, aware that each decision carries global repercussions.
As his Middle East tour continues, the Pope's balancing act-between moral authority and political pragmatism-will be closely watched. For now, his message remains clear: in a region torn by conflict, he arrives as "a messenger of peace."
