Pope says Middle East needs 'new approaches' for peace

Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and said the Middle East needed new approaches for peace as he finished a three-day trip to the country by urging an end to divisions.

- 

A 150,000-strong mass at Beirut’s waterfront was the highlight of the trip by the Catholic leader, who arrived on Sunday after visiting Turkey on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff.

He has received a jubilant welcome in a nation beset by a years-long economic collapse and which is still reeling from a war last year between Israel and Hizbollah, with many fearing renewed hostilities.

Noting that he was unable to visit all of the country, Pope Leo expressed his “aspiration for peace, along with a heartfelt appeal: may the attacks and hostilities cease.”

Israel has kept up strikes on Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire with Hizbollah and has escalated attacks in recent weeks - but has not announced any raids during the pope's visit.

Under heavy pressure, Lebanon's government has committed to disarming the Iran-backed group, which however has rejected the idea.

The pope appealed in his mass “to those who hold political and social authority here and in all countries marked by war and violence. Listen to the cry of your peoples who are calling for peace.”