The first visit of a pope to the modern Lebanese state in 1964 came during a prosperous time that today many look back on nostalgically as the country's golden era. It came in a lull between the country's first civil war in 1958 and the 15 years of internal fighting that began in 1975.

Pope Leo will embark on his first trip outside Italy as the leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, travelling to Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the region and urge unity among long-divided Christian churches.

Pope Leo XIV's visit to the two Muslim-majority nations aims to promote peace and Christian unity amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Lebanon is a country where crosses rise from mountaintops, rooftops and street corners, and Christian symbols are woven into everyday life.

Nestled on Lebanon's southern border with Israel, the town of Rmeich has been home to Catholics for more than 300 years.

Charbel Matar says a Lebanese saint saved his life when he was a child. Now, he is among pilgrims of all faiths who visit Saint Charbel's tomb, soon to be graced by Pope Leo XIV."My family and I have great faith in Saint Charbel and always visit him,

Israel has attacked Beirut’s suburbs just two days after Lebanon’s president said he was open to negotiations.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun announced that the army will launch a peace initiative in southern Lebanon, taking control of additional positions along the border.