January 1, American Pope Brings Unity Message to Lebanon

Wyatt’s Take

• Pope Leo XIV’s safe journey kicks off a notable Middle East trip.
• His call for peace and unity faces challenges as old divisions linger.
• Middle America can relate to the values of faith and togetherness on display.

The Vatican’s chartered flight carrying Pope Leo XIV made it safely to Turkey after a software update. With the plane ready, the trip to Lebanon could continue, much to everyone’s relief.

During the journey, the mood was light, with home-baked pies shared among the travelers and the pope himself enjoying the treats. The Thanksgiving meal served on board, though simple, reminded everyone of hospitality and gratitude.

Pope Leo XIV was officially welcomed in Beirut by President Joseph Aoun and his wife as he arrived for his first apostolic visit in the region. This trip happens while Lebanon deals with economic trouble and rising security concerns.

On Saturday, the pope led a Mass for the small Catholic community in Istanbul, showing support for those keeping their faith in tough surroundings. Catholics only make up a fraction of the population, and the country’s history is still marked by tragedy.

“We need to appreciate what unites us, breaking down the walls of prejudices and mistrust… to become peacemakers.”

Throughout his trip, Pope Leo XIV repeated his themes of peace and unity. He met with Turkish leaders and joined religious figures of different faiths, including Jews and Orthodox Christians. After a service with Patriarch Bartholomew, he signed a joint pledge for Christian unity.

He also spoke of working together with non-Christians and criticized the use of religion to justify violence. His call for peacemaking rings especially true given ongoing conflicts across the region.

Not everyone was included in these meetings, however. Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who tried to assassinate Pope John Paul II decades ago, now lives in Iznik and wanted to see the pope. He was kept at a distance for safety reasons.

History echoes in these visits. Past popes also made news visiting major Muslim holy sites in Turkey, offering gestures of respect and reconciliation in divided times.

During this trip, Pope Leo visited the Blue Mosque in silence, reflecting quietly as a sign of respect for the faith of others. The Vatican clarified he intended his presence to be thoughtful and observant rather than performative.

His first words after being chosen as pope were simple: “Peace be with you.” The world now waits to see if his message of brotherhood and unity can take root in a divided land.

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Wyatt Matters

This journey shows how faith and respect can bridge divisions, reminding us in Middle America that standing up for peace and unity is always worth it, no matter how tough things get.