People wave Lebanese and Vatican flags while waiting for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on Nov. 30, 2025. (Credit: Matthieu Karam/L’Orient-Le Jour)
Several hundred people gathered along the road to Baabda Presidential Palace on Sunday afternoon, waiting for the convoy of Pope Leo XIV, who had arrived from Turkey for the second stop of his first trip as sovereign pontiff. Many families were present, some with babies and strollers. Some waved Lebanese and Vatican flags, while others wore caps bearing the pope’s name. For these faithful, who came despite the rain, the visit represented a symbol of hope in a country accustomed to crises.“The pope’s arrival is a blessing for this country,” said Mirella, a mother. “It’s a way of saying that we’re still here despite everything that’s happening, that we’re still attached to this country and that we belong to this land.” The details of the visit Lebanon welcomes Pope Leo XIV in a message of peace and resilience Leaning against a barrier...
Several hundred people gathered along the road to Baabda Presidential Palace on Sunday afternoon, waiting for the convoy of Pope Leo XIV, who had arrived from Turkey for the second stop of his first trip as sovereign pontiff. Many families were present, some with babies and strollers. Some waved Lebanese and Vatican flags, while others wore caps bearing the pope’s name. For these faithful, who came despite the rain, the visit represented a symbol of hope in a country accustomed to crises.“The pope’s arrival is a blessing for this country,” said Mirella, a mother. “It’s a way of saying that we’re still here despite everything that’s happening, that we’re still attached to this country and that we belong to this land.” The details of the visit Lebanon welcomes Pope Leo XIV in a message of peace and resilience ...
