Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for a historic visit set to continue through Tuesday, delivering a message of peace, hope, and solidarity to the nation.
In a vibrant display of national celebration, the Lebanese army fired 21 artillery rounds, ships at Beirut Port sounded their horns, and church bells rang across the country. Lebanese flags and Vatican banners adorned the roads, while thousands of citizens lined the streets to welcome the Pontiff.
Upon disembarking at Rafic Hariri International Airport, the Pope was greeted by President Michel Aoun and First Lady Naamat Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and his spouse, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and his spouse, as well as Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai. An official welcoming ceremony was held in the ceremonial airport tent, attended by prominent religious and political leaders.
Ceremonial Honors and Religious Delegations
Following the landing, Pope Leo XIV and President Aoun proceeded to the main platform, where His Holiness greeted Patriarch Joseph I Absi of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholics, Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian of the Armenian Catholics of Cilicia, and Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of the Syriac Catholics. After the playing of the Vatican and Lebanese national anthems and the formal honors, the Pope and the accompanying Lebanese delegation exchanged greetings with the visiting Vatican entourage.
After a short reception in the presidential hall at the airport, the papal delegation departed for Baabda Palace. Along the route, thousands of scouts from the Imam Mahdi Organization lined the streets, accompanied by scout bands performing special compositions for the occasion—a display of civility, respect, and national pride that reflected Lebanon’s cultural openness and ethical values.
Members of the Imam Mahdi Scouts took part in Pope Leo XIV’s reception as his convoy passed through Martyr Commander Imad Moughniyeh’s highway, accompanied by musical bands performing pieces for the occasion, creating a dignified scene that reflected openness: pic.twitter.com/P4N4rJrsSF
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) November 30, 2025
As the Pope’s plane entered Lebanese airspace, it was escorted by the Lebanese Air Force, while naval vessels sounded their horns and the army fired 21 salutes upon landing. White narcissus flowers, symbolizing hope and renewal, decorated the airport halls, and incense filled the ceremonial space. Citizens carrying Lebanese and Vatican flags lined the route to offer a warm and heartfelt welcome.
Meetings with Lebanese Leadership
At Baabda Palace, Pope Leo XIV met with President Michel Aoun, followed by Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Baabda Presidential Palace for a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun#Lebanon #Beirut #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/P9AP1dJ3gP
— ManarWeb (@WebManar) November 30, 2025
The visit also included engagements with representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic corps, and other prominent political and religious figures, underscoring the broad national and spiritual significance of this historic visit.
Source: Al-Manar Website
