BKERKE, LEBANON – Pope Leo XIV dedicated a landmark gathering to young people in Bkerké on Monday, the first full day of his historic visit to Lebanon. The event, attended by around 12,000 youths from across the country, highlighted the Pontiff’s belief that Lebanon’s future rests in the hands of its younger generation.

 

The afternoon meeting began with interactive sessions, including games, prayers, hymns, and documentaries about the Pope, designed to engage attendees and showcase youth activities throughout the year.

 

When Pope Leo arrived in his popemobile, he toured the crowd, pausing to meet seven representatives from Lebanon’s seven Catholic Churches before ascending the stage.

 

“The enthusiasm you feel expresses God’s loving closeness, which brings us together as brothers and sisters,” the Pope told the young attendees, greeting them with “the greeting of the Risen Jesus” and assalamu lakum.

 

He specifically saluted the youth of Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, recognizing their shared struggles and hopes in a region shaped by conflict and displacement.

 

The Pontiff praised the courage of youth who continue to strive for peace and justice despite personal and national hardships. He highlighted testimonies from Anthony, Maria, Elie, and Joelle, calling their stories “prophecies of a new future that will be ushered in through reconciliation and mutual help.”

 

“Perhaps you regret inheriting a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social injustice. Yet there is hope within you — a gift that we adults seem to have lost,” Pope Leo said. “There is still time to plan, dream, and do good.”

 

Drawing inspiration from Lebanon’s national emblem, the cedar tree, Pope Leo urged the youth to remain grounded in strong roots of faith and service:

 

“Lebanon will flourish once again. Draw from the good roots of those dedicated to serving society without using it for their own interests,” he said.

 

In response to questions from the young attendees, the Pope emphasised that authentic peace requires forgiveness, justice, and placing others before oneself. He encouraged the youth to cultivate friendships and relationships grounded in trust and love, warning that ego-driven connections cannot bear fruit.

 

“True love is not temporary. True friendship is when ‘you’ comes before ‘I,’” he said.

 

For many of the young attendees, the encounter offered not only inspiration but a sense of responsibility: that they are the present and future of Lebanon, capable of shaping a country defined by reconciliation, courage, and faith.