Pope Lands In Lebanon On First Foreign Tour

BEIRUT, Nov 30 (Bernama-dpa) – Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Lebanon on his first foreign tour, the German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

The head of the Catholic Church arrived in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, in the afternoon after a stay in Turkiye.

In a country plagued by war and crises, Leo's visit is seen as a sign of hope for peace and stability.

He will meet Lebanese leaders, visit Christian sites and attend a large mass during his visit.

Leo will also visit the site of the devastating explosion in the port of Beirut. The explosion five years ago killed 220 people.

About 30 per cent of the population of Lebanon is Christian, while the vast majority are Muslim. Other religious communities, such as the Druze, also live in the religiously divided country.

In the past, this religious diversity has led to conflict. Tensions are also high with Lebanon's southern neighbour Israel.

Weeks before the pope's visit, signs welcoming Leo were erected on newly repaired roads, greeting him as a "Pope of Peace".

Leo has already announced his intention to "once again proclaim the message of peace in the Middle East". 

-- BERNAMA-dpa