Pope Liu XIV to travel to Lebanon on the potential first international trip

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to travel to Lebanon later this year, while he could be his first journey abroad since his election is the head of the Catholic Church in May.

Bishop Paul Say, a deputy of the highest Catholic leader in Lebanon, told the BBC that the Vatican was “studying” the journey, but the church was still awaiting official dates.

The visit will witness an important moment for the first American Pope, who has repeatedly urged peace in the Middle East and religions.

Bishop Saha said: “Lebanon is a multicultural, multi -religious country and it is a place for dialogue.”

“It is one of the rare environments in which Muslims and Christians live together and respect each other … so he sends a message to the region.”

There was speculation about the first international destination in Liu, where early papal flights determine the tone of the Pontifat.

The first main trip of Pope Francis outside Rome, to the Italian island of Lambudosa in 2013, with a seam of his focus on migration and marginalized societies.

In recent decades, travel abroad has become essential to the Papua, which allowed the Popes to communicate with Catholics all over the world, publish their message and engage in diplomacy.

During the 12 years of his life, Francis visited 68 countries in 47 foreign trips, and often chooses destinations on the margins of the world, which he described as “church parties”.

Lebanon, the home of more than two million Catholics, is known for its religious variety, has long carried a symbolic weight for the church. The papal stopping there will also put Liu near the war in Gaza and the broader conflict in Palestinian Israel.

“Everyone talks to Israel, but Israel does not listen. It does not seem that Netanyahu is listening a lot, but the more leaders speak), the better.”

“If the Pope adds his voice and anxiety, I think it is likely to have some effect.”

Pope Liu has already drew attention to awareness efforts with other religions.

He was one of his first meetings after his election with a delegation between religions, as he praised the “Jewish roots of Christianity” and the generosity of “the increasing commitment to dialogue and brotherhood” between Catholics and Muslims. Christians, Jews and Muslims have repeatedly urged “not to war and yes to peace.”

If the journey continues, you will follow the visits of John Paul II and Beneedict, both of which remember the messages of peace and religious coexistence.

Earlier this month, Pope Liu celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion, which killed 200 people and damaged.

“Beloved and suffering Lebanon is still in the midst of our prayers.”