Leo XIV’s First Overseas Visit, “The Passion to Change History and Trends”
Speech on Unity and Coexistence to Youth
15,000 Gather, Enthusiastic Applause,
On December 1st (local time), Pope Leo XIV arrived at the residence of the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate in Bkerke, north of Beirut, Lebanon, greeting the crowd of young people by waving his hand. On the second day of his visit to Lebanon, a multi-religious nation, Leo XIV prayed for regional peace, and the Lebanese warmly welcomed the pope on his pilgrimage. Beirut AFP Yonhap News Agency,
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, ‘Pope Leo XIV, who ascended to the pontificate last May, visited Lebanon as his first overseas destination to convey a message of hope and unity, receiving a warm welcome akin to a “rock star” from local youth. It is interpreted that Leo XIV, the first American pope, chose Turkey and Lebanon as his first overseas destinations since his ascension to counter the divisive policies of the Trump administration by emphasizing messages of harmony and coexistence.’,
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, ‘On December 1st (local time), Leo XIV delivered a message of hope to the youth at an event hosted by the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate in Bkerke, north of Beirut, according to AFP and AP. During the event, Leo XIV stated, “You can build a world better than the one you inherited” and “You have the passion to change history and trends.” He continued, “You have more time to dream, plan, and do good.” ‘,
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On December 1st (local time), a Lebanese man knelt down to kiss the pope’s feet. Beirut AP Yonhap News Agency,
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, ‘Outside the Maronite Catholic Patriarchate, 15,000 young people gathered to hear the pope’s speech. AFP reported, “Young people flocked to see the pope, whistling and clapping as they busily took photos and videos with their cell phones,” describing the reception as similar to that of a rock star. AP stated that “Thousands of ordinary Lebanese stood along his motorcade route, braving the morning rain, and some scattered flower petals and rice on his car as a sign of welcome.” ‘,
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, ‘Earlier in Turkey, Leo XIV expressed support for the “two-state solution” to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, promising to act as a mediator. He praised Turkey as a model of religious coexistence and encouraged Lebanese people by saying, “In an era when coexistence feels like a distant dream, Lebanese people strongly remind us that embracing different religions is possible, as are unity, reconciliation, and peace.” ‘,
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, ‘The international media is paying attention to the symbolism of the pope’s overseas visit. The former Pope Francis chose the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa as his first overseas destination, where he comforted refugees from the Middle East and Africa and focused on migration and refugee issues during his tenure. In particular, it is suggested that Leo XIV left for the trip during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday to emphasize messages of gratitude and peace. Motoko Rich, a reporter accompanying the trip, said in The New York Times, “Leo XIV, as a pope who opposes division, is confronting a polarized world.”\n’]