BEIRUT, 01 Dec. - (ANA) - Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace in Lebanon and the region on Monday as he kicked off day two of his trip to the multi-confessional country with a visit to a famous pilgrimage site.

 

Thousands of people cheered, ululated and threw rice in celebration as Leo travelled in the popemobile up a winding road to a monastery in Annaya in the mountains north of Beirut which hosts the tomb of Saint Charbel, AFP news agency reported.

 

Leo arrived from Turkey on Sunday on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff and brought a message of hope, particularly to youth in Lebanon whose faith in their crisis-hit country has dwindled.

 

"For the world, we ask for peace. We especially implore it for Lebanon and for the entire Levant," he said from deep inside the candle-lit stone monastery.

 

Saint Charbel is a Maronite hermit who was canonised in 1977 and who enjoys broad popularity beyond the Christian community.

 

Depictions of the white-bearded saint can be found in homes, vehicles and workplaces across the country.

 

Music resonated and bells rang out from the site where thousands had gathered amid strict security measures.

 

Leo has called on Lebanon's leaders to serve their long-suffering people, who have emigrated in droves from the Mediterranean country.

 

Thousands of people had braved the rain and lined the streets north of Beirut from early morning to give the pope a warm welcome as his motorcade passed, with some waving Lebanese or Vatican flags.

 

 

 

 

Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that a two-state solution was the only one likely to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

 

Flying from Istanbul to Beirut during his first foreign trip since his election in May, the pope continued the tradition of his predecessors by speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane.

 

"The Holy See has publicly backed the proposal for a two-state solution for several years. We all know that Israel still does not accept it, but we consider it the only solution likely to resolve the current conflict," he said during a brief exchange.

 

He said he discussed the issue on Thursday in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "who fully supports this proposal".

 

"Turkey has an important role to play in this process," the pontiff added.

 

The Holy See has recognised the State of Palestine since 2015.

 

Since his election in May, the pope has expressed his solidarity with the "martyred land" of Gaza and denounced the forced displacement of Palestinians.

 

On Sunday, he said the Vatican maintained "friendly" relations with Israel and had offered its services as a mediator.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/01 December 2025 - - -