Rising Tensions
Pope Leo Touches Down in Beirut - Will Israel Attack When he Leaves?
Is the Pope's visit really going to stop Israel fighting Hezbollah?
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, is currently on his inaugural international trip as pontiff, a six-day apostolic journey to Türkiye (Turkey) and Lebanon, running from November 27 to December 2, 2025.
This visit emphasizes ecumenical dialogue, interreligious harmony, and messages of peace amid regional conflicts, including recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Originally planned by his predecessor, Pope Francis, the trip honors the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Turkey while addressing Lebanon's ongoing crises, such as economic collapse, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and tensions with Hezbollah and Israel. Leo has described the global situation as a "piecemeal" world war, urging unity over division.
The pope just wrapped up four days in Turkey and arrived in Beirut earlier today, marking the start of a three-day Lebanese leg under heightened security, including military escorts.
Highlights from the Turkey Leg (November 27–30)
Leo began his trip in Ankara on November 27, welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at a ceremony.
Key stops included:
A wreath-laying at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's mausoleum, symbolizing respect for Turkey's secular founder.
A meeting with the Diyanet (Turkey's religious affairs authority) and the country's chief rabbi to promote interfaith ties in a nation that's 99% Muslim with only about 36,000 Catholics.
Travel to İznik (ancient Nicaea) for ecumenical events commemorating the 325 AD Council, where early Christian doctrines were defined.
In Istanbul, Leo visited the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) on November 29 for a gesture of solidarity with Muslims, though he declined an invitation to pray inside. He then met Christian leaders at the Syriac Orthodox Church of Mor Ephrem.
On November 30, Liturgy with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Patriarchate. He also prayed at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral.
The visit drew massive crowds, with a Mass in Istanbul moved to a 5,000-seat arena due to high interest. Leo stressed shared Christian-Orthodox heritage, saying believers' common ground far outweighs divisions.
Pope Leo departed Istanbul this afternoon on a military-escorted flight and landed in Beirut at around 3:45 p.m. local time. He received an ecstatic welcome despite rainy weather, crowds lined the streets with drums, flutes, and banners proclaiming "Lebanon Loves You." Lebanese Air Force Super Tucano jets provided aerial escort, and telecom giant Alfa displayed a greeting message on its app.
Security is tight amid fears of escalation from recent Israeli strikes in southern Beirut, which killed Hezbollah leaders.
Upon arrival, Leo headed directly to the Presidential Palace for a private meeting with President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Jamale Aoun, followed by a courtesy visit in the Ambassadors' Hall. Real-time reports highlight warm receptions even in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.
Planned Activities in Lebanon (November 30–December 2)
Lebanon, home to a fragile multi-faith society and about 1 million Christian refugees from Syria and Palestine, is reeling from economic woes, the port blast (which killed over 200), and border skirmishes. Leo's visit aims to boost morale for all faiths, without venturing south. Highlights include:November 30 (Evening): Interreligious meeting with Muslim and Druze leaders; private audience with youth groups, including a delegation of Syrian Christians seeking hope amid uncertainty.
December 1: Prayer vigil at the Beirut port site to honor explosion victims and demand justice; outdoor Mass on the Beirut waterfront, expected to draw thousands; visit to the psychiatric hospital Dde la Croix in Jal el-Dib, one of few mental health facilities; planting a cedar tree (Lebanon's national symbol) at the Presidential Palace.
December 2: Meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati; farewell ceremony before departing for Rome.
Bishops and locals view the trip as a "sign of hope" in dark times, with one archbishop noting fears of renewed war. Leo's reserved style contrasts with Francis's spontaneity, but his presence is already amplifying calls for dialogue.
This journey underscores Leo's priorities: peace in a volatile Middle East and support for persecuted minorities.
It's possible that Israel will invade Lebanon on foot after his departure, to put an end to Hezbollah once and for all.