Pope Leo XIV could visit Lebanon before the end of the year. This was announced by Cardinal Raï in an interview with Al-Arabiya television. The Maronite Patriarch indicated that there are no confirmed dates, but that it will be before December.
The visit will take place after a decision by the Vatican on when it will take place, so it is undetermined at this point. However, preparations for the visit are underway, although the exact time is still unknown, pending an announcement by the Vatican.
So far, it is unknown when Pope Leo XIV's first trip will be. Everything pointed to Türkiye, a visit that was left pending on Pope Francis' agenda to celebrate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, and which his successor could resume in November.
NIKOS TZOITIS
Advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Rome
I asked him this question, that the people want Nicaea, and this proposal was honestly also agreed upon among us journalists. Then he replied: "Yes. I know. And it will happen… We're preparing the date to implement it."
Therefore, it could be a tour of Lebanon and Türkiye. But the possibility of including more destinations could be under consideration.
For example, Algeria is a possible destination, a very symbolic place for Augustinians, the community to which the Pope belongs. Saint Augustine was bishop of Hippo, an ancient city of Numidia located in the present-day country.
CA
TR: GS
