Pope Leo to Visit Lebanon by December in First Trip Abroad as Pontiff
- Publish date: Thursday، 21 August 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
Patriarch confirms Pope Leo’s Lebanon trip this year as preparations get underway.
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Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Lebanon before the end of 2025, marking his first foreign trip since becoming pontiff in May. Patriarch Bechara Rai, head of the Maronite Church, revealed that preparations are already in motion for the visit.
Why Lebanon Matters
Around 30% of Lebanon’s population are Christians, with the Maronite Church closely tied to Rome. President Joseph Aoun, a Maronite himself, met Pope Leo at the Vatican in June to strengthen ties. The pope has also voiced solidarity with Lebanon on the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port blast, saying the country remains in his prayers.
A Pope Focused on Peace
Since his election, Pope Leo—the first pontiff from the US—has called for peace in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza. His Lebanon trip comes as part of his wider push for dialogue and unity in the region.
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