President Joseph Aoun delivered a moving welcome address to Pope Leo XIV at Baabda Palace, presenting Lebanon as a land rooted in faith, history, and resilience. He described Lebanon as a country repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, a land that bears witness to the greatness of creation and sacred history. He welcomed the Pope to what he called a land protected by our Mother Mary and expressed the hope that the Lebanese people may heal from hatred, war, and destruction.
The President highlighted Lebanon’s spiritual and cultural identity and described it as the homeland of great saints, including Saint Charbel who reflects the unity of the Lebanese people and their profound faith. He reaffirmed that Lebanon is a nation of freedom and dignity for every person and that it is unique in its system where Muslims and Christians live together as different but equal partners.
Aoun also warned that Lebanon’s delicate balance must not be taken for granted. He said that if Lebanon collapses, the alternative would be new frontlines in the region and beyond, shaped by extremism and escalating violence. He called on the international community to recognize Lebanon’s essential role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and to safeguard its pluralistic model.
Speaking directly to Pope Leo XIV, the President affirmed that Lebanon’s continued presence is vital for peace. He said that the continued existence of Lebanon, represented by the people gathered before the Pope at Baabda, is essential for nurturing peace, hope, and reconciliation among all the children of Abraham.
Aoun also addressed the difficulties facing the Lebanese people. He stated that there is great hardship in Lebanon and in the surrounding region and that many carry deep wounds. He added that these wounds await the Pope’s blessed touch and that the Lebanese are hoping to hear his powerful and courageous voice and for the world to hear it as well.
The President’s remarks framed the visit of Pope Leo XIV as a moment of national reflection and renewed hope. He emphasized Lebanon’s enduring message of coexistence and the determination of its people to overcome crisis and rise again.
The President highlighted Lebanon’s spiritual and cultural identity and described it as the homeland of great saints, including Saint Charbel who reflects the unity of the Lebanese people and their profound faith. He reaffirmed that Lebanon is a nation of freedom and dignity for every person and that it is unique in its system where Muslims and Christians live together as different but equal partners.
Aoun also warned that Lebanon’s delicate balance must not be taken for granted. He said that if Lebanon collapses, the alternative would be new frontlines in the region and beyond, shaped by extremism and escalating violence. He called on the international community to recognize Lebanon’s essential role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and to safeguard its pluralistic model.
Speaking directly to Pope Leo XIV, the President affirmed that Lebanon’s continued presence is vital for peace. He said that the continued existence of Lebanon, represented by the people gathered before the Pope at Baabda, is essential for nurturing peace, hope, and reconciliation among all the children of Abraham.
Aoun also addressed the difficulties facing the Lebanese people. He stated that there is great hardship in Lebanon and in the surrounding region and that many carry deep wounds. He added that these wounds await the Pope’s blessed touch and that the Lebanese are hoping to hear his powerful and courageous voice and for the world to hear it as well.
The President’s remarks framed the visit of Pope Leo XIV as a moment of national reflection and renewed hope. He emphasized Lebanon’s enduring message of coexistence and the determination of its people to overcome crisis and rise again.
