The Pope is received at the foot of the aircraft’s stairs by the President of the Lebanese Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, along with their spouses, and by the Patriarch. Two children in traditional attire present the Holy Father with flowers, bread, and water. No speeches are scheduled.
• National anthems
• Honors to the flags
• Honor Guard
• 21-gun salute
• Presentation of the respective delegations
• Flypast
At the end of the ceremony, the Pontiff is accompanied by the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister, with their spouses, to the Presidential Lounge for a brief private meeting.
The Presidential Palace, built in 1956 on a hill overlooking the capital, is located in Baabda and is surrounded by the Ministry of Defense and various military installations. Its architecture blends modern design with traditional Lebanese elements. The first resident was President Charles Helou.
The Pope arrives at the main gate of the Presidential Palace, where he is escorted by the cavalry to the main entrance. He is welcomed by the President and the First Lady. A traditional dance group (dabke) greets the Holy Father, while two young people offer him flowers. Afterwards, the President and First Lady accompany the Pontiff to the “Ambassadors’ Hall.”
