Pope Leo XIV to travel to Lebanon in probably first international trip

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to travel to Lebanon later this year, in what his first trip abroad may be, as he was elected head of the Catholic Church in May.

Archbishop Paul Sai, the deputy of the highest-ranking Catholic leader in Lebanon, told the BBC that the Vatican is “studying” the journey, but that the church is still waiting for official dates.

The visit will mark a significant moment for the first American pope, who repeatedly calls peace in the Middle East and the inter -confessional cohabitation.

“Lebanon is a multicultural, multi -religious country and is a place of dialogue,” said Bishop Saya.

“This is one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians live together and respect each other … so sends a message to the region.”

There is speculation about Leo’s first international destination, as early papal trips often determine the tone of pontiff.

The first major trip by the late Pope Francis outside Rome, to the Italian island of Lamudusa in 2013, laid the basis for its focus on migration and marginalized communities.

In recent decades, traveling abroad has become central to the papacy, allowing the Pope to contact Catholics around the world, distribute their message and participate in diplomacy.

In his 12 years, as Pontiff Francis visited 68 countries of 47 foreign trips, often choosing destinations for world borders, which he described as the “periphery” of the church.

Lebanon, the home of more than two million Catholics and known for its religious diversity, has long brings a symbolic burden to the church. The papal stop there will also put Leo near the war in Gaza and the wider Israel-Palestinian conflict.

“Everyone is talking to Israel, but Israel doesn’t listen. Netanyahu doesn’t seem to listen to much, but the more (leaders talk), the better,” said Bishop Saya.

“If the pope adds his voice and concern, I think it is likely to have some impact.”

Pope Leo has already drawn attention to attention efforts with other religions.

One of his first meetings after his election was with an inter -religious delegation, where he praised the “Jewish roots of Christianity” and honors the “growing commitment to dialogue and brotherhood” between Catholics and Muslims. He repeatedly called on Christians, Jews and Muslims to “say” no “to war and to peace.”

If the trip moves forward, it will follow visits to John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and they both remembered messages of peace and religious cohabitation.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo also celebrated the fifth anniversary of the explosion of the Beirut port, with 200 people killed and caused billions of damage.

“The beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the center of our prayers,” he said.