The Presidential Palace was the chosen venue for Pope Leo XIV's first meeting, held upon his arrival to Beirut.
The pontiff delivered a speech before the country’s authorities and the Diplomatic Corps, in which the idea of the long-awaited arrival of peace took center stage, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the nation.
POPE LEO XIV
Yet you, who have important institutional tasks within this nation, are destined for a special beatitude if you can say that you have put the goal of peace above all else.
He also emphasized the richness that religious diversity brings to the country and the need to continue fostering it.
Just as he did in his first speech in Ankara before the Turkish president, the pontiff once again praised the role of women as a vital instrument for promoting peace.
POPE LEO XIV
In this context, I would like to emphasize the essential role of women in the arduous and patient endeavour to preserve and build peace. Let us not forget that women have a special capacity for peace-making, because they know how to cherish and strengthen the profound bonds with life, people and places.
A children’s choir welcomed Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace, and it was music that formed the final cultural reference the Pope made.
POPE LEO XIV
This aspect of your culture helps us to understand that peace is not only the result of human effort, however necessary. Indeed, peace is a gift that comes from God and which, above all, dwells in our hearts. It is like an interior motion pushing outwards, enabling us to let ourselves be guided by a melody greater than ourselves, namely that of divine love.
With these words, Pope Leo XIV concluded his first day in Lebanon. He will remain in the country until Tuesday, December 2, when he will return to the Vatican.
