A Pope's Peace Mission Amid Lebanon's Turmoil

Lebanon is bracing for a significant visit. Pope Leo is set to arrive on Sunday, bringing a message of peace to a nation under constant threat. Israeli airstrikes have made Lebanon a hotspot, and the pope's visit is seen as a beacon of hope. The pope's journey to Lebanon is the second stop on his first international trip since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. He arrives from Turkey, where he spent four days warning about the dangers of global conflicts and condemning violence in the name of religion. Lebanon, known for having the largest Christian population in the Middle East, has been deeply affected by the ongoing Gaza conflict. The war between Israel and the Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim militant group Hezbollah has led to a devastating Israeli offensive, adding to Lebanon's struggles. The country is already dealing with a massive influx of refugees and a severe economic crisis. Lebanese leaders are concerned that Israeli strikes could escalate further in the coming months. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem expressed hope that the pope's visit might help end the Israeli attacks. The papal visit has been welcomed by Lebanon's diverse communities. Leading Druze cleric Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna stated that Lebanon needs the hope that this visit represents. Pope Leo, who became pope in May, is relatively unknown on the world stage. His speeches and interactions outside mainly Catholic Italy are being closely watched. On Saturday, he visited Istanbul's famous Blue Mosque, showing respect by removing his shoes, though he did not pray as planned. The pope's itinerary in Lebanon is packed. From Sunday to Tuesday, he will visit five cities and towns, avoiding the south, which is a target of Israeli strikes. His schedule includes a prayer at the site of a 2020 chemical explosion at the Beirut port, which killed 200 people and caused billions in damage. He will also lead an outdoor Mass on the Beirut waterfront and visit a psychiatric hospital, one of the few mental health facilities in Lebanon. Carers and residents are eagerly anticipating his arrival.