Athens News - Pope to urge unity, bring hope to Lebanese youth on day two of visit

After arriving from Turkey on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff, Leo urged Lebanon's leaders to serve their long-suffering people, who have emigrated in droves from the Mediterranean country.

Lebanon is reeling from a six-year economic collapse widely blamed on official corruption and mismanagement, and many also fear renewed war between Israel and Hezbollah despite a ceasefire in November 2024 that sought to end more than a year of hostilities.

Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanon in recent weeks despite the truce, while the cash-strapped Lebanese government is under heavy US pressure to disarm the Iran-backed militants.

Leo's visit comes as "we are struggling with many economic, social and political problems", said Elias Abou Nasr Chaalan, 44, a jeweller and father-of-two.

"We need hope and to unite as Lebanese," he said, noting that the pope had already brought together Lebanese officials and religious leaders.

"Through our unity, we can overcome all difficulties," he told AFP.

Leo will first visit a monastery in Annaya in the mountains north of Beirut which hosts the tomb of Saint Charbel, a Maronite hermit who was canonised in 1977 and who enjoys broad popularity beyond the Christian community.

Depictions of the white-bearded saint can be found in homes, vehicles and workplaces across the country.

- Youth gathering -

He is then to address bishops and clergy at a shrine in Harissa, also north of Beirut, where a giant statue of Our Lady of Lebanon overlooks the Mediterranean from a plunging hilltop.

The pope will also hold an inter-religious event in central Beirut's Martyrs' Square, before meeting young people at the patriarchate of Lebanon's Maronite church in Bkerke, outside the capital.

Authorities have proclaimed December 1 and 2 as official holidays, and ramped-up security measures include road closures and a ban on all drone photography.

Thousands lined the streets to greet the pontiff's convoy on Sunday despite rainy weather.

Leo has called on Lebanon's leaders to place themselves "with commitment and dedication at the service" of the people and has urged reconciliation in a country whose 1975-1990 civil war divisions have never healed.

"Peace is knowing how to live together, in communion, as reconciled people," Leo said, also noting Lebanon's "exodus of young people and families seeking a future elsewhere".

His 48-hour trip has been eagerly awaited in multi-confessional Lebanon, where the last pope to visit was Benedict XVI in 2012.

In Turkey, Leo took a cautious approach, balancing political sensitivities while also urging unity and respect for religious diversity.

C.Karamanos--AN-GR