Lebanon's Christians: Holding On Amidst Change

Lebanon is a land of deep history and diverse faiths. The Monastery of Mar Maroun, nestled in the mountains, is a place where ancient traditions meet modern challenges. This monastery, overlooking the Mediterranean, is one of the stops for Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit. The congregation here is small but devoted, singing hymns in Syriac, a language close to the one Jesus spoke. Christianity in Lebanon has ancient roots, but the community feels its influence waning. Many Christians have moved abroad over the years, seeking better opportunities. The last papal visit was in 2012, and since then, Lebanon has faced numerous crises: economic collapse, the Beirut port blast, and ongoing tensions with Israel. Lebanon is home to 18 recognized faiths, and sectarian dynamics play a big role in daily life. Pope Leo's visit is no exception. Thérèse Hanna, a woman in her seventies, expressed her concerns about the growing influence of the Shia community. She believes the Pope understands the challenges Christians face. The Shia community has grown in numbers and power, with Hezbollah being a key player. Hezbollah has a complex relationship with Christian parties, sometimes forming alliances. Despite this, the Shia community's rise poses a significant challenge to Christian dominance in Lebanon. The first papal visit in 1997 was a time of hope, as Lebanon recovered from civil war. However, the past decade has been tough, with economic struggles and ongoing conflicts. Israeli airstrikes are frequent, and tensions along the border remain high. Pope Leo's visit is brief but significant. He will meet with faith and political leaders, and a large Mass will be held on the Beirut waterfront. The waterfront, built on rubble from the civil war, symbolizes both destruction and resilience. Despite the challenges, Lebanese people like Souad and Fadi Khoury remain hopeful. They see the Pope's visit as a sign of strength and faith.