Pope Leo XIV Begins Visit to Lebanon Amid Economic and Security Challenges

BEIRUT, Lebanon — December 1, 2025 — Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon Sunday, marking the second leg of his inaugural international trip as pontiff. His visit follows three days in Turkey, where he emphasized themes of unity and peace among Christian communities. Lebanon, a country long affected by war, instability, and significant emigration, presents a complex backdrop for the pontiff’s visit.

Lebanon was historically a Christian-majority nation, with the 1932 census recording Christians as just over half the population. However, no official census has been conducted since, and independent studies estimate that Christians now comprise roughly one-third of the population. This demographic shift is attributed to emigration, conflict, and changing birth rates.

Upon arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport, Pope Leo XIV was welcomed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his wife, Nehmat Nehmeh. The pope’s itinerary includes meetings with political leaders, Christian and Muslim clerics, and families affected by Lebanon’s overlapping crises. A significant event scheduled for December 2 is a visit to the Port of Beirut, the site of the 2020 explosion that resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries. The pope’s presence there is expected to attract considerable attention amid ongoing demands for accountability.

Local media report that large crowds are anticipated despite Lebanon’s deep infrastructure problems and heightened security concerns. The visit is the first papal trip to Lebanon since 2012; Pope Francis had planned to visit but was unable to due to health issues.

Observers note that the choice of Turkey and Lebanon for Pope Leo XIV’s first foreign trip likely reflects his focus on unity and peace, key themes of his pontificate. Lebanon’s Christian communities, often described as the largest proportion in the Middle East, have been severely impacted by economic collapse, political paralysis, and mass migration over the past decade.

The pope’s visit comes at a time of significant challenges for Lebanon, including economic crisis and security risks, underscoring the importance of his engagement with the country’s diverse religious and political landscape.