Pope calls on Lebanese leaders to be true peacemakers as he seeks to bring message of hope World Nov 30, 2025 12:52 PM EST

BEIRUT (AP) — Pope Leo XIV challenged Lebanon’s political leaders on Sunday to be true peacemakers and put their differences aside, as he sought to give Lebanon’s long-suffering people a message of hope and bolster a crucial Christian community in the Middle East.

Leo arrived in Beirut from Istanbul on the second leg of his maiden voyage as pope. He came to encourage the Lebanese people to persevere at a precarious moment for the small Mediterranean country as it faces economic uncertainty, deep political divisions and fears of a new war with Israel.

READ MORE: Pope Leo’s visit rekindles hope in war-battered Lebanon

Leo is fulfilling a promise of his predecesso

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