The visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, which took place from 30 November to 2 December 2025, brought hope and comfort to the Lebanese people, who are facing economic crisis and regional tensions, further strengthening the close ties between the Holy See and Lebanon.

Ambassador Maria Emerica CORTESE participated in the meeting between the Holy Father and the diplomatic corps, which took place at the residence of the President of the Republic, and in the solemn Mass that concluded the visit.

In his address to the diplomatic corps, the Holy Father invited diplomats to be peacemakers, stressing that for Lebanon, peace is a ‘desire and a vocation’ rather than just a word. He also urged the Lebanese people to unity, reconciliation, justice and never to despair.

The highlights of the visit were: prayer at the tomb of Saint Charbel, a symbolic place for the faith; the ecumenical and interfaith meeting in Martyrs’ Square; the meeting with young people; the visit to the Sisters of the Cross Hospital, where the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta is very active; and the solemn Mass on the seafront.