Bkirki to host Leon XIV’s encounter with Lebanese youth

During the last two papal visits to Lebanon — John Paul II in 1997 and Benedict XVI in 2012 — encounters with youth played a central role.The visit of Pope Leo XIV, set for Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2025, will be no different. A major gathering is scheduled at the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkirki (Kesrouan, Mount Lebanon) on Dec. 1 for young people aged 16 to 35. The focus will be on dialogue and listening to youth concerns, centered around a highly anticipated message from the Holy Father.The event, expected to draw more than 10,000 young people, is jointly organized by APECL Jeune (the youth branch of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon) and Bkirki Jeune (the youth branch of the Maronite Patriarchate). "Leo XIV’s arrival in the popemobile is scheduled for 6 p.m. Youth are expected as early as 2 p.m.;...