Beirut prepares for Papal visit

With just over two weeks to go before Pope Leo XIV’s much-anticipated visit to Beirut (November 30–December 2), Lebanese authorities have launched an official website.

The initiative is supervised by the Lebanese government and presidential palace, in collaboration with the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon (APEC).

The website offers comprehensive information about the Pope’s itinerary, including official visits, mass gatherings, interfaith meetings, and symbolic stops. It also features photo galleries and editorial content dedicated to the significance of the pontiff’s journey.

This trip marks Pope Leo XIV’s first official international visit since the beginning of his pontificate. Prior to arriving in Lebanon, he will travel to Turkey to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD.

During his stay in Lebanon, Leo is expected to visit several key locations, including the Saint Maron Monastery in Annaya, where he will pray at the tomb of Saint Charbel. 

His program also includes a stop at the Port of Beirut, a poignant symbol of the country’s recent struggles, as well as a large public mass and meetings with religious leaders, youth groups, and Lebanese political figures.

The visit is seen as a message of peace and hope in a country still navigating complex political and economic challenges.