The pope, en route to Lebanon after visiting Turkey, said he had discussed with the Turkish president how the Vatican might help Israel and the Palestinian territories find peace.
The pope, arriving in Lebanon, also encouraged that country’s Christians to stay where they are, despite economic, political and security concerns.
The pontiff is set to meet political leaders and say Mass at a Beirut port destroyed by an explosion five years ago. It is the first papal visit to Lebanon since 2012.
The pontiff met political leaders upon his arrival on Sunday and will later say Mass at a Beirut port destroyed by an explosion five years ago.
In Istanbul, Pope Leo XIV will meet the patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church to show amity between two of the world’s largest Christian groups.
The choice signals that Pope Leo XIV aims to press for peace in the Middle East and show support for Christians in the region.
The choice signals that Pope Leo XIV aims to press for peace in the Middle East and show support for Christians in the region.