Pope Leo XIV prays for peace in Lebanon and the region as he kicks off day two of his trip to the multi-confessional country with a visit to a famous pilgrimage site.
Thousands of people cheer, ululate and throw rice in celebration as Leo travels in the popemobile up a winding road to a monastery in Annaya in the mountains north of Beirut which hosts the tomb of Saint Charbel.
Leo arrived from Turkey yesterday on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff and brought a message of hope, particularly to youth in Lebanon whose faith in their crisis-hit country has dwindled.
“For the world, we ask for peace. We especially implore it for Lebanon and for the entire Levant,” he says from deep inside the candle-lit stone monastery.
Saint Charbel is a Maronite hermit who was canonized in 1977 and who enjoys broad popularity beyond the Christian community.
Depictions of the white-bearded saint can be found in homes, vehicles and workplaces across the country.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 1, 2025
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