Pope Leo Brings Hope to Lebanon Amid Ongoing Conflict
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BEIRUT - Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, concludes his three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday, wrapping up his inaugural overseas trip as the Catholic leader. During his visit, Pope Leo has pleaded for peace in the Middle East, warning that humanity's future is at risk due to the world's bloody conflicts. As part of his final day in Lebanon, the 70-year-old pontiff will pray at the site of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion, which killed 200 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. He will also lead a massive Catholic Mass on the city's waterfront, expected to draw a crowd of 100,000 people. Pope Leo has urged Lebanese leaders to persevere with peace efforts, following last year's devastating war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. He has also called on the country's diverse religious sects to unite and heal the country after years of conflict, political paralysis, and economic crisis. The pope's message of hope and unity has resonated with the people of Lebanon, who have been struggling to overcome the aftermath of the explosion and the country's severe economic crisis. 'It was lovely to know there was a sign of hope coming back to Lebanon,' said Maroun al-Mallah, a 21-year-old student who volunteered at the site of the pope's Mass. Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon is the second leg of his trip, which started in Turkey. He will leave for Rome with his entourage at around 1:15 pm on Tuesday. The pope's message of peace and unity is a beacon of hope for the people of Lebanon, who are struggling to rebuild their country and overcome the challenges they face.
