Pope Leo discovers his voice during inaugural overseas journey

Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, just a week after Israeli air strikes impacted the city. Known for his careful and measured approach, his choice to visit a conflict-affected country for his first international trip is a powerful statement.

Before arriving in Lebanon, the Pope spent three days in Turkey, offering a glimpse into his diplomatic style and how he intends to balance his role as spiritual leader and head of state of Vatican City. His interactions with journalists are calm and deliberate, contrasting with his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose lengthy and passionate exchanges sometimes required aides to clarify statements.

During his visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Istanbul, Pope Leo appeared visibly moved while addressing the small Christian community there. His moment of emotion echoed his early days as pope when he first took on the enormous responsibility of leading over a billion faithful worldwide.

As a statesman, Pope Leo has demonstrated both listening and assertive qualities. Standing alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he criticized powerful nations for using economic and military strength to fuel global conflicts, warning that "the future of humanity is at stake." At a commemoration in Iznik, marking 1,700 years since a major Christian council, he stressed that religion should never justify war or fanaticism.

On the flight from Istanbul to Beirut, he addressed the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that a Palestinian state is essential for any resolution while reaffirming the Vatican's friendship with Israel and its desire to act as a mediator.

Upon arrival in Lebanon, Pope Leo met with the country's top political leaders, urging them to serve their citizens faithfully. He described his mission in both Turkey and Lebanon as being a "messenger of peace." Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi of the Maronite Catholic Church highlighted the Pope's choice to prioritize Lebanon despite its ongoing struggles, noting that the visit brings hope to a nation feeling abandoned.

The visit has drawn attention from all major faith communities in Lebanon. Even Hezbollah, the Shia Muslim political party, extended greetings and expressed "deep appreciation" for the Pope's presence. Lebanese citizens have been granted a two-day national holiday in honor of the visit.

During his stay, Pope Leo will meet with Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi and other Christian, Muslim, and Druze leaders. His focus has been on building bridges between different religious communities, as well as between progressive and traditionalist Catholics. However, not all expectations have been met. In Turkey, the Russian Orthodox Church did not participate in interfaith celebrations, and some critics feel he has not addressed political oppression or directly visited communities most affected by conflict in southern Lebanon.

Despite these challenges, Pope Leo's first foreign trip reflects a measured approach to global diplomacy. Unlike Pope Francis, he does not seek rapid change but has already begun to assert his voice on the international stage, addressing moral and humanitarian concerns with both thoughtfulness and courage.

Author: Sophia Brooks