According to Al Joumhouria, this historic visit occurred during one of the most critical and dangerous moments in the history of the "Land of the Cedars," amid grave fears for its sovereignty, independence, and civil peace. The country is currently mired in sharp sectarian political debates, shadowed by the constant threat of an imminent Israeli invasion—predicted to be merely days away following the Pope's departure—and harsh Israeli ultimatums demanding compliance with their conditions without objection. The Pontiff arrived while Lebanon remains deeply divided over the repercussions of the recent devastating Israeli war, the field mechanisms for implementing UN Resolution 1701 following the ceasefire announced on November 27, 2024, and the contentious issue of restricting weapons solely to the state.
The Vatican remains deeply concerned that the situation could slide into a clash that would destroy the future of coexistence, particularly as some internal actors have exploited the war to tamper with national unity. Despite immense pressure from external and internal voices urging him to cancel the trip due to regional instability and the risk of permanent buffer zones being established, Pope Leo XIV remained immovable. He insisted that his presence was most needed now to plant seeds of hope and support a people on the brink of despair.
Reaffirming the legacy of Pope Saint John Paul II, the Pontiff declared that "Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message." He explicitly urged Christians to reject isolationism and cling to the model of living together with Muslims in a unified homeland, advising Church leaders to be closer to the suffering of their flock.
A highlight of the tour was the ecumenical dialogue held in Martyrs' Square, a site symbolizing the sacrifice of Lebanon's diverse elites against colonialism in 1916. Here, religious leaders affirmed that coexistence is a destiny, not a choice. Furthermore, in a pivotal meeting with the youth at Bkirki, the Pope urged the new generation to resist the temptation of emigration. He called on them to face challenges with steadfastness, deepening their belonging to the land not just in words, but in action.
Ultimately, Pope Leo XIV’s visit was a rejection of a "unilateral face" for Lebanon. By betting on the youth to forge a future based on justice and interaction, the Vatican aims to ensure Lebanon remains the ideal theater for Christian-Muslim dialogue, rather than becoming a fractured collection of "geographical pies" devoid of impact. The Pope departed leaving behind a message of optimism, placing the burden of preserving this unique "Message" on the shoulders of a unified people.