Cardinal Rai, who oversees Lebanon’s 3.5-million-strong Maronite community, said preparations for the visit are already underway, though no specific date was confirmed.
Newsroom (20/08/2025, Gaudium Press )Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, is set to visit Lebanon by December, marking his first international trip since assuming the papacy, according to Cardinal Bechara Rai, head of the Maronite Catholic Church. The announcement, made Wednesday on al-Arabiya television, signals a potential milestone for the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
Cardinal Rai, who oversees Lebanon’s 3.5-million-strong Maronite community, said preparations for the visit are already underway, though no specific date was confirmed. A Lebanese official familiar with the matter corroborated the plans, noting that discussions are ongoing for a late-2025 visit, with details yet to be finalized.
Pope Leo, elected on May 8 to succeed the late Pope Francis, inherits a papacy known for its global outreach. Francis, who had hoped to visit Lebanon but was prevented by health issues, made 47 international trips to 68 countries during his 12-year tenure, often prioritizing overlooked regions to spotlight global challenges. Lebanon, home to over two million Catholics per Vatican estimates, has faced significant hardships, including a devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed 200 people and caused billions in damages.
In a recent message marking the explosion’s fifth anniversary, Pope Leo expressed solidarity, stating, “Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the center of our prayers.”
A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that a Lebanon trip is in the works and may be part of a broader tour including Turkey. The pope is expected to visit Turkey in late November to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, a pivotal event in early Christianity, held in what is now Iznik. The Vatican has not yet officially commented on Cardinal Rai’s announcement.
International papal visits, a hallmark of the modern papacy, serve to engage local Catholic communities, promote faith, and foster diplomacy, often drawing millions. If confirmed, Pope Leo’s trip to Lebanon could underscore his commitment to regions grappling with adversity, continuing the legacy of his predecessor while carving out his own global vision.
– Raju Hasmukh with files from Jerusalem Post
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