Pope Leo XIV's day 1 in Lebanon: Warm Beirut and Baabda welcome, and praise for Lebanese 'perseverance' | LIVE

Thank you for following our live coverage of the first day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon.

We will resume our coverage tomorrow of this historic trip.

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Pope Leo XIV arrives at apostolic nunciature in Harissa

Pope Leo XIV reached the apostolic nunciature in Harissa, Kesrouan, where he will stay during his visit, accompanied by the official Vatican delegation, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Citizens gathered outside the embassy, waving Lebanese and Vatican flags to welcome him.

Crowds gather in Jounieh to see Pope Leo XIV

According to media reports, a crowd began forming near Fouad Chehab Stadium in Jounieh to catch a glimpse of the pope as he made his way to Harissa, passing along the hill overlooking the city.

Pope Leo XIV departs Baabda for Harissa

The pope left the Baabda Presidential Palace and headed to the apostolic nunciature in Harissa, Kesrouan, where he will stay during his visit.

Pope Leo XIV: ‘How can we encourage young people to stay without peace?’

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the challenge facing Lebanon’s youth. “Young people feel obliged to leave to find peace. They must be given guarantees so they can seek this peace in their own society,” he said. “How can we encourage young people to stay in Lebanon without guaranteeing them peace?”

Pope Leo XIV: ‘Peacebuilders have the courage to stay’

Pope Leo XIV said that those who work for peace must have the courage to remain in their communities despite risks. “Returning home requires courage, despite the insecurity, to work for a more stable future,” he said. Staying in the country strengthens a culture of love and peace, he added, emphasizing that true fraternity is essential not only for Lebanon but for the entire Middle East.

Pope Leo XIV: ‘Truth and reconciliation go hand in hand’

Pope Leo XIV urged Lebanese leaders to stay close to their people and maintain open dialogue. “Speak this common language, that of grace, so all may stand together in harmony,” he said.

He added that peacemakers pursue reconciliation to heal both shared and personal wounds, noting: “We cannot arrive at the truth without coming together, for each has a part of the truth. Truth and reconciliation go hand in hand.”

Pope Leo XIV: ‘You have suffered extremism, but you are always reborn’

Pope Leo XIV asked the Lebanese to reflect on the source of their resilience. “You are a plural country brought together by a language and I am not talking here about the Lebanese language, but about communication around grace, the one that has always pushed you to persevere,” he said.

He added that while much of the world struggles to steer the course of history, with major decisions often made by a small few, Lebanon has endured extremism and cultural clashes — yet “you are always reborn.”

Pope Leo XIV in Baabda Presidential Palace: ‘Peace is more than just a word’

Pope Leo XIV told participants at the Baabda Presidential Palace that “peace is more than just a word,” invoking Christ’s message: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” the motto of his visit. He said he was confident that many Lebanese, both at home and abroad, work each day quietly to advance peace.

Pope Leo XIV to Lebanese: ‘You are a people who give up nothing’

Pope Leo XIV said that being a “peacemaker” in times of conflict requires perseverance — a quality he said the Lebanese have long embodied. “You are a people who give up nothing, and who persevere,” he told the crowd, adding that peace demands a steadfast commitment “to protect life, so that it may be reborn.”

Aoun: ‘Free Christians in Lebanon are a guarantee for the region’

Aoun said the presence of “free Christians” in Lebanon serves as a safeguard for Christian communities across the region, telling Pope Leo XIV that his choice to make Lebanon his first stop underscores that support.

Aoun: ‘Tell the world we will not leave our country’

Aoun said Lebanon and the wider region are enduring “a lot of suffering,” but urged Pope Leo XIV to convey a message of resilience: “Tell the world that we will not die, will not leave our country, we will not disappear. We will stay here to be a space of cultural encounter,” he said.

He added that what Lebanon can offer “no one else can do in the world.”

Aoun: Humanity must preserve Lebanon in order to preserve coexistence

Aoun: Lebanon is unique in its multi-confessional system, where Christians and Muslims enjoy equal rights. This is Lebanon's singularity and its mission in the world. Humanity must preserve Lebanon because if it falls, there will no longer be coexistence as we find it in our country. And if Christians disappear from Lebanon, or Muslims, equality will fail and fundamentalism will triumph. These were the messages of past popes, such as John Paul II's message on Lebanon.

Aoun: We want to free our minds from war and violence

Aoun: Our faith is immense, and we want minds to be freed from war and violence. In Lebanon, Muslims and Christians live side by side in peace. Lebanon is not only a historic land, but also the land of great saints such as Saint Charbel.

Aoun to Pope Leo: 'You are not visiting an ordinary country'

In his speech, President Aoun told the pontiff: "You are not visiting an ordinary country," recalling that Lebanon is mentioned several times in the Bible.

Read Layal Dagher's explanations of the nearly 70 references to Lebanon (the 'Land of the Cedars') in the Old and New Testaments here: Lebanon in the Bible: Cedars, miracles and blessings

Aoun welcomes Pope Leo XIV with official speech at Baaba

The Pope enters the central hall of the Baabda Presidential Palace, accompanied by President Aoun and his wife, to the applause of the dignitaries present.

Aoun proceeds welcoming the pope with an official speech.

Musical interlude at Baabda Palace with a choir singing in Arabic

Between meetings, Pope Leo XIV attended a small choir concert in Baabda by children and adults with disabilities, including blindness and deafness, who sang a song by Fairuz, some in sign language.

The Holy Father then planted a cedar tree.

Only solution to conflict 'must include a Palestinian state'

On his flight from Turkey to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV stated that the only possible solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians "must include a Palestinian state," thus reaffirming the official position of the Vatican, Reuters reports.

"We all know that, at present, Israel still does not accept this solution, but we consider it the only possible one," the pontiff told reporters during his first in-flight press conference.

"We are also friends with Israel and we seek to play a mediating role between the two sides to help them find a solution that is fair for everyone," the pope added, speaking in Italian.

Pope meets with Salam

Following his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Pope Leo XIV meets with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Leo XIV meets with Berri

The pope met with members of Joseph Aoun's family before the start of his meeting with Speaker of the House Nabih Berri. According to the official visit schedule, this meeting is expected to last 15 minutes.

Former presidents Michel Aoun and Michel Sleiman are also present in Baabda to welcome the pontiff.

Pope meets Aoun's family members

Pope Leo XIV is currently meeting with the family members of President Joseph Aoun, including his children, grandchildren and daughter-in-law.

He also signed the palace’s Golden Register, where distinguished guests leave their mark to commemorate their visit.

Political figures wait to meet with the pope after his meeting with Aoun

At Baabda Palace, current MPs and ministers, including Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar, Kataeb party leader Samy Gemayel, MP Halima Kaakour, and Amal MP Ali Hassan Khalil, along with civil society members and former officials, including former Prime Ministers Tamam Salam and Fouad Siniora, are waiting to meet the pope after he finishes his meeting with President Joseph Aoun.

Projections outside Baabda presidential Palace

(Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

'We want peace so we can stay in Lebanon,' pleads a mother on the road to Baabda

According to our reporter on the road to Baabda, there were nearly 600 people waiting for the pope to pass by, "far fewer than in 1997 for Pope John Paul II," according to Cynthia, a mother. "His message is one of peace in the world," she added.

Nicole Moawad, who came to Baabda with her husband and children, believes that "the pope is the symbol of Christianity:" "We want peace so we can stay in Lebanon and see our children grow up."

The pope arrives in Baabda

(Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

Pope Leo arrives at Baabda Presidential Palace in the popemobile, amid crowd cheers and heavy rain.

Private meeting between Aoun and Leo XIV

President Joseph Aoun and Pope Leo XIV are currently meeting privately at the Baabda Presidential Palace.

Pope Leo XIV arrives at Baaba Presidential Palace

A projection on the walls of the Baabda Presidential Palace welcomes Pope Leo XIV, who watches from his popemobile, with images of himself, the cedar tree and doves of peace.

The pope is currently entering the presidential palace where he is being welcomed at the door by President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Neamat Aoun. Children offer him flowers.

People gather and dance dabke under the pouring rain

As rain falls in Lebanon, people continue to gather around Baabda Presidential Palace to welcome Pope Leo XIV who is currently on his way there. The crowds cheer with glee as he passes by.

A traditional Lebanese dabke is taking place outside the presidential palace, under the pouring rain, as crowds await.

A parade of horses is also welcoming the Pope at Baabda.

Many officials, including ministers and members of parliament from all parties, as well as ambassadors, have already arrived in Baabda and are waiting to welcome Pope Leo XIV.

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai is on site, along with other church and religious leaders from across the country, including the Grand Mufti Abdellatif Deriane, Vice President of the Supreme Shiite Council Ahmad Qabalan, and Druze Sheikh Sami Abi al-Mona.

On the political side, many members of parliament from different blocs and various political sides were already there to welcome Pope Leo XIV at the presidential palace.

'I hope the pope will look around him to see the destruction as he passes through' the southern suburbs

Pope Leo XIV is currently passing through the southern suburbs of Beirut with large crowds around him.

"I came because I respect the pope. For me, Hassan Nasrallah and the pope are the same," explains Ayman Danach, a resident of the southern suburbs.

"I live right next door and I lost my house during the war. I had to rebuild it twice. I hope the pope will look around him to see the destruction as he passes by," he added.

The Pope passes through the southern suburbs of Beirut

The Pope's convoy has left the airport and is headed towards Baabda Presidential Palace, amid road closures to facilitate his passage, as people gather on the sides of the roads to welcome him.

He is currently passing through the southern suburbs of Beirut.

'Maybe he'll bless our country and put an end to Israeli strikes'

(Credit: Renee Davis)

Two friends; Ali (16) and Lana (17), both from Burj al-Barajneh, told L'Orient Today while waiting the pope: "We came to see what all the fuss is about. It’s a good thing the that the pope comes maybe he’ll bless our county and put an end to Israeli strikes."

(Credit: Renee Davis/L'Orient Today)

More and more people are gathering along the route that Pope Leo XIV will take as he travels through the southern suburbs of Beirut to the presidential palace in Baabda. The Imam Mahdi Scouts, affiliated with Hezbollah, have begun beating drums, while Lebanese soldiers are urging the crowd to stay on the sidewalks, according to our reporter on the scene, Renee Davis.

Waving photos of the pontiff and former Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, Mohammad Hawely, a 26-year-old resident of the southern suburbs of Beirut, said he joined the gathering "because Hezbollah called on us to do so."

For their part, Nasrallah and Raed Sibaii, two cousins aged 27 and 30, also said they had come "on the orders of Naim Qassem (Hezbollah's secretary general), who urged us yesterday to attend the pope's arrival."

On the road to Baabda: Pope's visit a 'blessing' for Lebanon, says woman

People gathering at Baabda Palace, waiting for Pope Leo, who is set to arrive there from the airport to meet Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

Pope meets with Aoun in private

Credit: Yara Nardi/Reuters

A private meeting takes place at the Beirut airport between the pope and the Lebanese president. The meeting is set to last 15 minutes according to the schedule.

Residents of Beirut's southern suburbs waive Lebanese and Hezbollah flags

Residents of Beirut's southern suburbs gathered along the route Pope Leo XIV will take to Baabda Palace, where a marching band from Imam Mahdi Scouts, affiliated with Hezbollah, is scheduled to perform as he passes by.

"I came to see the pope for peace, because we want him to bring a message of peace to Lebanon when we need it most. I brought my daughter so she could witness this historic event. We love life, not war, and that is what Israel does not understand," said Hassan Tlais, a local resident, as artillery fire recently targeted the outskirts of Beit Lif in southern Lebanon.

Pope shakes hands with president as he steps out onto the tarmac

The doors of the plane carrying the pope were opened on the tarmac of Beirut airport and the pope stepped out.

On the red carpet, he shook hands with the dignitaries present, including the President Joseph Aoun, his wife, and Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai.

Young members of the Imam Mahdi Scouts prepare to welcome Pope Leo XIV

(Credit: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP)

Young girls, members of the Imam Mahdi Scouts, affiliated with Hezbollah, prepare to welcome Pope Leo XIV, who is scheduled to travel through the southern suburbs of Beirut on his way to the Baabda Palace.

Across Lebanon, churches ring their bells to welcome the pope, local media reported

According to witnesses in Beirut and other cities, church bells rang out as the pope landed, and continue to do so.

Dozens of people have gathered on the road leading to Baabda.

Around a hundred people have gathered in Baabda to welcome Pope Leo XIV, according to our reporter Zeina Antonios, who is on the road leading to the presidential palace.

"I came from Zahle to welcome the pope. He brings peace and will convey a message of peace to us," Samira Issa tells our correspondent, as families with children wave Lebanese and Vatican flags.

Nohra Rouhana Berberi, on the other hand, says she is "afraid of [Israeli] strikes after his departure." She adds: "We have been waiting for him since this morning. We hope his visit will be positive."

Marwan Hamade arriving in Baabda. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L'Orient Today)

Prominent figures are also beginning to arrive at Baabda Presidential Palace, where the pope will go after the welcoming ceremony at Beirut airport.

Druze MP Marwan Hamade, who is part of the Democratic Gathering bloc, was seen arriving at the presidential palace, as was the leader of the Hezbollah parliamentary group, Mohammad Raad.

Aoun is at Beirut airport to welcome Pope Leo XIV

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his wife Neemat Aoun arrived at Beirut airport for the ceremony to welcome the pontiff. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam arrived shortly before.

Pope Leo XIV lands in Beirut

The plane carrying Pope Leo XIV has landed at Beirut airport. It was accompanied by two military aircraft upon its arrival to the Lebanese capital.

Hezbollah's Parliamentary bloc, headed by MP Mohammad Raad, has arrived at Baabda Palace to welcome the Pope, al-Manar reported.

Political and religious figures at Beirut airport

The Lebanese Army Commander, General Rodolph Haykak, has arrived at the airport’s VIP lounge, according to NNA. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has also arrived, the NNA reported.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and his wife, Randa Berri, have also arrived, along with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who are at the airport to receive the pontiff.

Parliament Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab has also arrived.

Meanwhile, crowds of citizens continue to gather on the road leading to the Presidential Palace in Baabda to welcome Pope Leo XIV on his historic visit to Lebanon, NNA reported.

A crowd gathers at the entrance of Baabda Presidential Palace

Credit: Matthieu Karam

A crowd is already waiting at the entrance to the Baabda Presidential Palace for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, who is expected to go there as soon as he arrives, according to our reporter in Baabda.

Army seals off entrance to Burj al-Barajneh camp in southern Beirut

The entrances of the Burj al-Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in the southern suburbs of Beirut have been closed off by the Lebanese Army and intelligence officers, our correspondent on the ground reported.

Druze Sheikh al-Aql Sami Abi al-Mona — the highest religious authority of the Druze community in Lebanon — told local television channel LBCI, less than a hour before the arrival of Pope Leo XIV to Beirut, that Lebanon needs a "national spiritual partnership and must live by the requirements of this partnership so that it becomes a protective umbrella for reform and salvation.”

“Lebanon must remain resilient against any attempts at dismantling, and it will not come to an end," he added. "The state brings everyone together, Lebanon is beautiful because of its spiritual diversity.”

Paulo Borgia arrives at Beirut airport

The Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Monsignor Paulo Borgia, has arrived at Beirut airport at the head of a delegation from the embassy, at the location designated for the reception of Pope Leo XIV, according to the National News Agency.

Army to fire celebratory artillery rounds in Ouzai-Baabda upon pope's arrival to Beirut airport

The Lebanese Army announced that, for the occasion of the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, it will fire a number of celebratory artillery rounds in the Ouzai – Baabda area upon the Pope's arrival at Beirut airport at 3:45 pm.

The army also added, in its statement that was published on Sunday morning, that a test celebratory round would be fired at 11:30 am.

PLO extends warm welcome to the pope on behalf of the Palestinian people in all refugee camps in Lebanon

The leaders of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) factions in Lebanon issued a statement expressing their "warm welcome to Pope Leo XIV" on behalf of the Palestinian people in all refugee camps in Lebanon.

In its statement, the PLO praised "the Pope's spiritual and humanitarian role in promoting the values of freedom, justice, peace, and human dignity."

In addition, the statement emphasized that "the path to peace begins with the recognition of the inalienable national rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among which are the right of return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."

Finally, PLO leaders stressed "the importance of the historic role that the Vatican continues to play in defending the Palestinian cause and supporting international efforts to end the occupation and humanitarian suffering endured by the [Palestinian] people, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the diaspora."

Hezbollah scouts to welcome the pope

The Imam Mahdi Scouts, affiliated with Hezbollah, are preparing to welcome the pope with a fanfare on the road connecting Beirut airport to the Baabda Presidential Palace, the first stop on his visit, announced the party's television channel, Al-Manar.

The village of Yaroun (Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon) has decided to offer Pope Leo XIV a stone from a church destroyed by Israeli artillery shells and air strikes, so that he can bless it during his Mass in Harissa (Kesrouan) tomorrow, according to our correspondent in the south.

Pope Leo XIV participates in a divine liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul before his departure for Beirut on Nov. 30, 2025.

Pope Leo XIV en route to Lebanon

The pope is flying on a A320 belonging to the Italian airline ITA, which was repaired on Saturday due to vulnerable control software, like thousands of others around the world, according to AFP.

Some editorial picks in anticipation of the pope's arrival

Pope Leo XIV is on his way to Lebanon, and will become the fourth pope to visit the country since Paul VI in 1964.

Our editorial team offers a number of articles covering different aspects of this historic visit:

➡️ From North to South, Lebanon’s Christians live in fear of a great decline

➡️ Vatican, Arabs and the unarmed prophet’s diplomacy

➡️ How to finally write the (Lebanon-)message?

➡️ Why the Maronite Church missed the sobriety shift urged by Francis

Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon continue hours before Pope's visit

Despite the pope's visit, the Israeli army continues its attacks in southern Lebanon. There are no casualties reported so far.

Read more here.

Archbishop Audi hopes for a 'national awakening' in Lebanon

In his Sunday homily at Saint George Cathedral, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi, called on the Lebanese people for a "national awakening" on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV's visit, expected Sunday afternoon at Beirut airport.

Read more here.

Rifi calls on pope to address the situation of detainees in Lebanese prisons

Sunni MP for Tripoli Ashraf Rifi called Sunday for broad participation in welcoming Pope Leo XIV, who is set to land in Beirut this afternoon for his first papal tour of the Middle East.

He also urged the pontiff to address the concerning situation of detainees in Lebanese prisons, where overcrowding and poor conditions — especially for foreign prisoners — are deplorable.

Read more here.

Saad Hariri weighs in

Former Prime Minister and leader of the Future Movement, Saad Hariri, wrote on X on Sunday that Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Lebanon "evokes 'Lebanon the Message,' as described by the late Pope John Paul II."

Read more here.

Rai calls on Lebanese political leaders to 'reconcile' hours before Pope Leo XIV's first tour of the region

"I call on political leaders to reconcile and turn the page, because the pope's visit to Lebanon is not an ordinary event," the head of the Maronite Church told MTV.

He said the visit "addresses Lebanon and the Lebanese, highlights the value and role of the country, and underscores that Lebanon holds a special place for the pope and the Holy See."

He added that if the pope's visit did not bring about a true revival, it would have no value. "It is not acceptable for Leo XIV to come to Lebanon only for the country to return to what it was before he left," he said.

Read more here.

Logistics for the three days

For the historic occasion, Lebanon has made preparations in advance: in addition to billboards bearing the image of the pontiff and Vatican flags, roads have been renovated, and numerous logistical measures implemented to facilitate the organization of the three-day event.

We provide an overview of logistics for the three days, which will include significant road closures near all locations where the pope will travel.

Read more on this here.

Road closures on day one of visit

On the day of his arrival, he is scheduled to travel from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, where he will land at 3:45 p.m., to the Presidential Palace in Baabda — where he will meet President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. His departure from Lebanon is set for Tuesday at 1:15 p.m.

Read more here.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the first day of Pope Leo XIV's historic visit to Lebanon.

The pontiff is scheduled to land at 3.45 p.m. at Beirut airport, arriving from Turkey, where he completed the first part of the first apostolic journey of his pontificate, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.