Pope Leo XIV’s multi-day visit to Lebanon is a statement of support for peace in the region, but as many Lebanese turned out to greet the pontiff, they also know that war could be looming.
For the pope and the Vatican, this is an important visit, as Leo is beginning to find his feet in terms of his papacy and foreign trips, which began with a four-day stop in Turkey.
While Lebanon is an important country due to its large Christian population, Leo’s visit also comes at a decisive point for the country.
Israel continues to want to see Hezbollah disarmed. At the moment, there is no path forward to disarm the group. It is also unlikely that the IDF can disarm the group, but it could launch a new operation to weaken Hezbollah.
World media and the region are watching the pope’s trip to Lebanon. He has spoken about peace and a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. The BBC said the pope “has already spent three days in Turkey and, watching his diplomacy at close quarters, we are learning a little more about how he intends to carry out his duties as both spiritual leader and head of state of Vatican City. Pope Leo’s interactions with journalists are gentle and softly spoken, and his words always appear thought-out and deliberate.
“‘It means a lot to me. He could have visited other countries, but he gave priority to Lebanon while it is still at war,’” Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi, leader of the Maronite Catholic Church, told the BBC. “‘He brings hope when the Lebanese feel abandoned, and we feel uplifted,’” he added.
Pope visits Lebanon, preaching peace amid Hezbollah presence
There is a two-day holiday for the pope’s visit to Lebanon, and it seems every group in the country is welcoming the pope. Even Hezbollah put out a statement. Some people pointed to the Vatican flag flying on poles and noted that, finally, there are yellow flags of peace in the country in contrast to Hezbollah’s yellow flag. The BBC noted, though, that “among the Lebanese and Vatican flags being waved as his motorcade drove from Beirut’s airport, there were Hezbollah flags too.”
The pro-Hezbollah Al Akhbar noted that Leo said that “there is no peace without talks and dialogue,” during his tour. He visited the Monastery of Mar Maroun – Annaya. “‘We ask for peace for the world, and we pray to Him especially for Lebanon and the entire Middle East,’ the Holy Father added. ‘We remind everyone that there can be no peace without talks and dialogue.’”
The pope was met by President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Nemat Aoun. Some reports noted that Christian Lebanese leader Samir Geagea was not invited to the meeting. Others surmised that if he had been invited as a politician, then other groups such as Hezbollah would have to be included.
Al Akhbar said that “Lebanese citizens hope that Pope Leo XIV’s visit will open a window in the wall of darkness that has gripped Lebanon for years. At the same time, they fear it will become just another symbolic event, while the real challenges on the ground demand a confrontation with the facts as they are, not as presented by the ruling class and religious leaders.”
Meanwhile, in Israel, there is a sense that the border is fraught with tension. Recent drills have prepared the IDF for possible confrontation. Northern Command head Maj-Gen. Rafi Milo went to a position on the Golan Heights border and to a military exercise held on the Lebanon border over the weekend.
“The troops are at a high level of readiness, in defense and prepared for developments in the Syria and Lebanon arenas. The activity in the Beit Jinn area conducted by the 55th Brigade emphasizes the importance of proactive activity to counter terrorism in the security zone and the value of forward defense,” he said.
The IDF further noted that he said, “We cannot wait for the enemy to attack, we must be proactive. We will not allow terrorism to establish itself along our borders. We will continue to operate with determination and initiative to remove threats and attempts to harm the civilians of the State of Israel even before they develop.”