• Pope Leo XIV plans his first international trip to Lebanon by December.
• The visit aims to address ongoing regional conflicts and promote peace.
• Lebanon, known for its religious diversity, is home to over two million Catholics.
• Leo's visit may coincide with a trip to Türkiye for the Council of Nicaea anniversary.
• There are preparations underway but no exact dates have been confirmed yet.

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for his first international trip as pontiff, which is expected to take place in Lebanon later this year, likely by December. Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, the head of the Lebanese Maronite Church, confirmed that preparations for the visit are already underway. While specific dates have yet to be finalized, discussions regarding the trip are ongoing, according to BBC and TRT Global.

This visit marks a significant moment for Pope Leo, the first American pope, allowing him to address the pressing challenges faced by Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and strained relations with Israel. Leo has consistently advocated for peace among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, with his anticipated visit to Lebanon seen as a powerful statement on interfaith dialogue. "Lebanon is the place closest to the terrible events in Gaza," said Marco Politi, a Vatican analyst, highlighting the potential impact of the papal visit in this context, according to India Times and TRT Global.

In addition to addressing the Christian presence in Lebanon, which is uniquely significant as the country has a high proportion of Christians and is the only Arab nation with a Christian head of state, the Pope's visit comes at a time of political fragility. Lebanon recently emerged from a leadership vacuum, and tensions remain high, particularly along its southern border with Israel. The previous papal visit occurred in 2012, making this trip vital for reaffirming the Vatican's commitment to the region, as discussed by BBC and India Times.

The trip could also coincide with an expected visit to Türkiye later in November for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which is an essential historical reference for Christianity. Such strategic engagements underline Pope Leo’s initiative to enhance dialogue and collaboration among different faiths. "Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the centre of our prayers," Pope Leo stated, emphasizing the cultural and religious significance of the planned visit, according to BBC and India Times.