During a pastoral visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV made a significant stop at the Saint Maron Monastery in Annaya on Monday morning. The Pontiff proceeded to the tomb of Saint Charbel within the monastery, where he knelt in prayer and presented a candle specially brought from Rome as a gift.
In a public address, His Holiness underscored the critical importance of fostering a culture of dialogue as a cornerstone for lasting stability. "We ask for peace for the world, and we implore it especially for Lebanon and the entire East," he stated. "We remind that there is no peace without talks and dialogue." He further offered a spiritual invocation, praying, "O Lord, You who granted Saint Charbel to maintain silence in the hidden life and be illuminated by the light of truth, grant us who follow his example to engage in the desert of the world in the good fight of faith."
The journey to Annaya was marked by profound public engagement. Upon reaching the town's entrance at Kfarbaal, the Pope transferred to the papal vehicle, the 'Popemobile,' to travel the final three kilometers. Despite inclement weather, he blessed thousands of enthusiastic citizens lining the route, who waved Lebanese and Vatican flags and adorned the road with cedar branches and roses.
This gathering was a highlight of the Pontiff's historic visit, with thousands arriving since early morning. The path from Harissa to Annaya transformed into a spiritual celebration, accompanied by the ringing of church bells throughout the Keserwan region.
Pope Leo XIV had arrived in Beirut the previous day, Sunday, aboard an ITA Airways flight from Istanbul, carrying a message of "peace and dialogue." He received an official welcome at Rafic Hariri International Airport attended by Lebanon's three presidents, which featured a 21-gun salute and horns from ships in Beirut port.
Concluding his visit to Annaya amidst the ringing of bells and farewells from the crowd, the Pope departed for the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa to continue his spiritual mission across the country.