Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December. He came to bring a message of peace and encourage the Christian presence in a country that has been through a lot. Between political meetings, a big Eucharistic celebration, and silent prayer at the devastated port, this visit was also marked by several ecumenical meetings.
The brothers and sisters of the Community in Lebanon bear witness to what they experienced: a powerful, discreet and deeply symbolic moment in the service of peace and unity.
Tracy Azar – community activist – 24 years old
The meeting between young people and the Pope was much more than just an event to see him drive by in his car. It was a breath of fresh air for us young Lebanese after years of suffering. It was a glimmer of hope at the end of a dark tunnel, it was the reawakening of a sense of belonging to Lebanon and to the Church. Amidst the smiles, excitement and praise as we waited for the Pope, a deeply emotional thought crossed my mind: ‘All of us here, 15,000 young people from different communities, are working together for the kingdom of God on this earth and more specifically for the kingdom of God in Lebanon and for its wounded youth.’
International journalists described this event as a mini World Youth Day. Indeed, having already been to World Youth Day, the enthusiasm was the same: crowds, singing, dancing, and then… time stands still, everyone takes their place near the aisles, phones are raised, everyone takes a breath, bells ring out and a smiling but emotional Pope passes among us. He climbs onto the stage, stands, holds back his tears and says: ‘Al Salamou Lakom’ (Peace be with you), a phrase and a speech that gives us hope for tomorrow and recharges us to continue where we are, in our country, to be peacemakers!
Maroun EL Howayek – JCN – 24 years old
What struck me when I arrived in Bkerké was the size of the crowd: thousands of young people gathered, not for a concert or a social event, but for one reason alone – to meet Pope Leo XIV. This showed me that, despite everything our country is going through, faith remains alive in the hearts of its youth.
Throughout the meeting, I found myself feeling immense joy and inner peace, without even needing to talk to anyone. All I had to do was look at the faces around me, faces that were radiant and full of hope.
But it was when the Pope arrived that something really struck me. When the crowd suddenly rushed forward, almost jostling each other, just to catch a glimpse of him passing by, a thought crossed my mind: if we are capable of throwing ourselves forward like this to see the Pope, what would it be like if it were Jesus himself passing before us?
I was also touched by the Pope’s sensitivity during this visit. You could see in his eyes that he deeply felt the joy of the young people, but also the weight of everything we have been through: crises, trials, fears… At times, his eyes seemed to be filled with tears — tears of compassion as much as tenderness.
And finally, there were his words. They refocused me, reminding me of what it means to be Lebanese and Christian in this land, and he reminded us that we have witnesses and role models to follow: our saints, including Saint Charbel, now known throughout the world, whose light continues to inspire millions of people.
Noriko Isomura — consecrated sister — 58 years old
With a powerful and affectionate voice, the Holy Father said to us, the 150,000 believers in Lebanon who attended Mass in Beirut, as well as to everyone else: ‘Take courage!’ ‘Be artisans of peace, heralds of peace, witnesses of peace!’ ‘
And we shouted together, ’Peace! Peace!“
I will never forget this appeal from the Holy Father, which touched me deeply in my heart, and the feeling of being part of the great body of believers. This dream of peace is engraved deeply in our hearts, for it is the dream of God Himself.
In his homily, the Holy Father spoke to us of the Kingdom of God as a seed that grows. I take to heart this invitation to sow the seeds of the Kingdom in every small daily gesture, in coexistence and compassion towards the most disadvantaged, as some of them testified during the meeting of consecrated persons and pastoral workers the day before in Harissa. We can begin to live this dream of a ‘united Lebanon’ and the dream of peace around us. This meeting was also a moment of ecclesial communion where I felt the call to solidarity and self-giving in faith.
The Holy Father’s visit has rekindled hope and lit in our hearts the fire of God’s love, love for the Church and for its shepherd, and for all our brothers and sisters in humanity beyond religious differences.
Raïssa Sfeir – Youth 14-18 – 14 years old
That day, I felt like I was living a dream, I felt heaven by my side. How can I describe something indescribable? Pope Leo XVI, thank you for your visit. During those three days, I revised for my exams, but nothing could have stopped me from seeing the Pope. 2 December will remain unforgettable. We waited for Pope Leo XVI in Zouk to greet him. I cried, but they were tears of joy. 3 December was a miracle for me. Seeing a full rainbow decorating the sky that day, and seeing the Pope praying in front of the port of Beirut five years after the explosion, brought me peace
Would you believe me if I told you that I saw him? Before the Mass began, he drove by in the popemobile. I was torn between several emotions. What an incredible moment! The Mass began. Calm reigned. He uttered the first word and I wondered if I was dreaming. The faithful prayed humbly and my heart was overflowing with emotion. Peace reigned and love had taken its place. Those three days, filled with hope and grace, made me feel reborn, purified inside.
Shirly Hajj – Youth 14-18 – 18 years old
My name is Shirley Hajj, I am 18 years old and I am part of the NDU University choir. Ever since I found out that we were going to sing at the Pope’s Mass, I was very excited. When the day arrived, I felt an emotion that is impossible to describe. I was happy to sing for God and to welcome the Pope. A great peace came over me. I was so moved that my eyes often filled with tears. Seeing the people and Pope Leo XIV smiling moved me. At that moment, I felt the peace of God.