Context of the papal visit

On 24 September 2022 Pope Francis arrived in Lebanon for a three?day apostolic pilgrimage, the first papal visit to the country in more than a decade. The trip aimed to support a nation grappling with a severe economic crisis, political instability and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosion.

Prayer at the tomb of Saint Charbel

In the Maronite town of Zgharta, the Pope knelt before the marble tomb of Saint Charbel, a 19th?century hermit canonised by the Catholic Church for his miraculous healings. While standing before the saint’s relics, Pope Francis addressed a crowd of several thousand Lebanese faithful, religious leaders and officials.

Key messages

• “You are a people that does not give up,” the Pope declared, highlighting the Lebanese community’s determination despite hardship.
• He called for “justice, dialogue and a genuine pursuit of peace” as essential steps toward national reconciliation.
• The pontiff emphasized the importance of solidarity, urging both local and international actors to support Lebanon’s reconstruction and social cohesion.

Reactions and significance

Thousands responded with a standing ovation, many laying rice and flowers at the tomb – a traditional Maronite sign of honor. Lebanese political figures praised the visit as a morale boost, while critics noted that concrete economic measures remain crucial.

Broader regional impact

The speech resonated beyond Lebanon’s borders, reinforcing the Vatican’s call for a two?state solution to the Israeli?Palestinian conflict and underscoring the role of religious leadership in conflict?afflicted societies.