His Eminence Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Mrad to the MECC Media:

"29 Church figures and 30 journalists will accompany the Holy Father on the plane to Beirut"

As the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon draws near, preparations continue on all Spiritual, logistical, youth, and media levels in order to receive the Supreme Pontiff in the best possible way.

In an exclusive discussion with the media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), His Eminence Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Mrad, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Catholic Archdiocese of Beirut, and Coordinator of the Ecumenical and Interreligious meeting with His Holiness the Pope in Martyrs' Square, confirmed that 29 Church figures and 30 journalists will accompany the Holy Father on the plane to Beirut.

Until His Holiness Pope Leo arrives in Lebanon, the relevant authorities continue their work to ensure the smooth running of this historic visit. In this context, a Vatican delegation, accompanied by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon Archbishop Paolo Borgia, toured all the sites the Holy Father will visit to review the latest field and security preparations.

Noting that the Pope's visit to Lebanon is entitled "Blessed are the Peacemakers," and will take place from November 30 to December 2, 2025.