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Pope Leo XIV Ends Lebanon Visit With Peace Appeals, Warns Against Anti-Muslim Fear

Massive crowds, interfaith encounters underscored a symbolic mission in a country mired in crisis.

Overview

  • On his flight back to Rome, the Pope cautioned against stoking fears of Muslims and urged genuine dialogue and respect between Christians and Muslims.
  • He closed the trip with an outdoor Mass in Beirut that drew about 150,000 people, according to the Vatican citing Lebanese authorities.
  • At the Beirut port blast site, he held a moment of prayer and called for justice for the victims of the 2020 explosion.
  • In an address to thousands of young people in Bkerke, he encouraged them to keep hope, remain in Lebanon and help rebuild despite the deep economic collapse.
  • He led an interreligious gathering in Beirut as some leaders pressed for an end to Israeli strikes, while others criticized his decision not to visit the hard-hit south.