Pope Leo is making the most of his first full day in Lebanon.
He met with priests and religious earlier today, but he then journied to Martyrs’ Square in the center of the country's capital for a unique ecumenical and interreligious gathering.
Various religious leaders joined the Pope at the event, such as the Sunni Grand Imam, the Syriac-Catholic Patriarch, representatives from the Shia, Druze, and Greek Orthodox communities, and, of course, the Maronite Patriarch.
Mindful of Pope Benedict XIV's trip to Lebanon in 2012, Pope Leo recalled the strong words of his predecessor:
POPE LEO XIV
In the Middle East, this dialogue draws on the deep spiritual and historical connections between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. It is a dialogue guided not by political or social interests, but by profound theological truths rooted in faith.
Pope Leo strongly emphasized the importance of increasing and strengthening inter-religious dialogue in order to discover our common humanity. He believes that this is the key that will open the door to peace in the region.
POPE LEO XIV
Yet, in the midst of these struggles, a sense of hopefulness and encouragement can be found when we focus on what unites us: our common humanity, and our belief in a God of love and mercy.
The various religious leaders joined the Pope to plant and water an olive tree, a symbol of strength and perseverance, as a gesture of peace and unity among the different religions.
POPE LEO XIV
The olive tree not only adorns this space in which we gather today, but it is also revered in the sacred texts of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, serving as a timeless symbol of reconciliation and peace.
Pope Leo has one final action item on his schedule for the second last day of his Apostolic journey: to meet with young people of Lebanon by the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch to share his message of hope and peace.
