Pope Leo is Expected to Visit Lebanon This Year

  • Publish date: Wednesday، 20 August 2025 Reading time: 1 min read

A Landmark First: Pope Leo XIV’s Anticipated Lebanon Visit by Year-End

Pope Leo XIV, elected in May as the first American pontiff following the passing of Pope Francis, has yet to undertake his first international journey.

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Patriarch Bechara Rai, head of Lebanon’s Maronite Church, announced that the Holy Father is expected to visit Lebanon “by December,” and preparations are already underway for what would be his inaugural foreign trip.

The announcement comes amid discussions that the visit may overlap with commemorations in Türkiye marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, historically significant for shaping Christian doctrine.

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While Türkiye remains a potential destination, including ceremonies in Iznik late in the year, it’s not yet clear whether Pope Leo’s Lebanon visit will be combined with the Turkish itinerary.

Lebanon, home to over two million Catholics, holds a special place in recent papal plans. Pope Francis had intended to visit the country but never did so, reportedly due to health concerns, making this potential mission by Pope Leo all the more significant for the Lebanese faithful.

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The pending visit reflects the modern papacy’s practice of engaging global communities through international travel. It aligns with broader diplomatic and pastoral objectives, providing spiritual solidarity while also engaging in interfaith and regional dialogue

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