June 13, 2012. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI will visit Beirut from
September 14 to 16. The Vatican confirmed the trip after deciding the violence in neighboring Syria would most likely not spread to Lebanon. It will be a highly symbolic visit, that will touch
on issues of the Arab Spring and will be attended by representatives from across the Middle East and North Africa.
The pope will meet with bishops from the countries in the region and there he will sign his first official document addressing the situation of Christians in the Middle East.
Given the exodus of Christians and the social situation, there will be an important meeting with intellectuals from various countries, as well as a meeting with young people.
Lebanon is the country with the most Christians in the Middle East. It is considered part of the Holy Land and home to the cities of Tyre and Sidon, places that Jesus once preached. John Paul II visited the country in 1997, fifteen years ago.
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