Pope Leo XIV writes to Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, calls for dialogue and peace

The vice president of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council, Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, received a message Thursday from Pope Leo XIV thanking him for his participation in the ecumenical meeting in Beirut and encouraging him to promote dialogue, love and peace among Lebanese.

In his letter, the pope expresses his "gratitude" for the sheikh's participation in the ecumenical and interreligious gathering at Martyrs' Square, as well as for his "eloquent words in favor of the good of humanity."

"I cherish in my heart the friendly meeting I had with you at the papal embassy, which left me with a very positive impression," he added.

The pope stressed that "Lebanon, with its different religions, always reminds us that living together is possible despite all the challenges and difficulties. Thus, as you see it, we have a great responsibility before God and before men: to continue encouraging all the inhabitants of this country toward sincere dialogue, mutual love and the constant pursuit of peace, so that the Lebanese people can enjoy a better future."

Since his departure from Beirut, the pope has sent several letters to Lebanese leaders, both political and religious, whom he met.

During his official three-day visit to Lebanon, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2025, the pope was received with great fanfare by officials, and also met with many Lebanese, notably religious leaders in downtown Beirut on Dec. 1, youth at the Maronite Patriarchate headquarters in Bkirki (Kesrouan district) the same day, patients and staff at the Hospital of the Cross the next day, as well as families of the victims of the Aug. 4, 2020, Beirut Port explosion. He celebrated a large mass in the capital on Dec. 2.