Pope Leo XIV to travel to Lebanon in likely first international trip

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to travel to Lebanon later this year, in what could be his first journey abroad since being elected head of the Catholic Church in May.

Archbishop Paul Sayah, deputy to Lebanon's highest-ranking Catholic leader, told the BBC the Vatican was "studying" the trip but that the church was still waiting for official dates.

The visit would mark a significant moment for the first American Pope, who has repeatedly urged peace in the Middle East and interfaith co-existence.

"Lebanon is a multicultural, multi-religious country and is a place of dialogue," Bishop Sayah said.

"It's one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians are living together and respecting each other... so it sends a message to the region."

There has been speculation over Leo's first international destination, as early papal trips often define the tone of a pontificate.

The late Pope Francis's first major journey outside Rome, to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013, set the stage for his focus on migration and marginalised communities.

In recent decades, overseas travel has become central to the papacy, allowing popes to connect with Catholics worldwide, spread their message and engage in diplomacy.

During his 12 years as pontiff, Francis visited 68 countries on 47 foreign trips, often choosing destinations on the world's margins, which he described as the Church's "peripheries".

Lebanon, home to more than two million Catholics and known for its religious diversity, has long carried symbolic weight for the Church. A papal stop there would also place Leo near the war in Gaza and the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

"Everybody is talking to Israel but Israel doesn't listen. Netanyahu doesn't seem to listen a lot, but the more [leaders speak], the better," Bishop Sayah said.

"If the Pope adds his voice and concern, I think it's likely to have some impact."

Pope Leo has already drawn attention to outreach efforts with other faiths.

One of his first meetings after his election was with an interreligious delegation, where he praised the "Jewish roots of Christianity" and honored the "growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity" between Catholics and Muslims. He has repeatedly urged Christians, Jews, and Muslims to "say no to war and yes to peace".

If the trip goes ahead, it would follow visits by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, both remembered for messages of peace and religious co-existence.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo also marked the fifth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, which killed 200 people and caused billions in damage.

"Beloved and suffering Lebanon remains at the centre of our prayers," he said.