The Catholic Media Center Announces the Details of the Ecumenical and Interreligious Meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Lebanon
An Historic Event that Strengthens the Human Values Uniting All Components of the Society
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
In preparation for the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, bearing the slogan " Blessed Are the Peacemakers," the Catholic Media Center in Lebanon held a press conference announcing the details of the national event and the Ecumenical and Interreligious meeting that will take place as part of the Holy Father's visit program, on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Martyrs' Square in Beirut.
The press conference, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Catholic Media Center in Beirut, began with a speech by Monsignor Abdo Abou Kassem, Director of the Catholic Media Center, and the Church Media Coordinator for the Pope's visit to Lebanon. He spoke about the importance of the conference, which highlighted the details of the Ecumenical and Interreligious meeting, emphasizing its role in strengthening love, dialogue, and fraternity within Lebanese society which is characterized by its rich cultural diversity.
As well as, a speech was delivered by His Eminence Bishop Mar Matthias Charles Mrad, Head of the Episcopal Committee for Christian-Muslim Dialogue in Lebanon, and Coordinator of the Meeting, in which he stated:
"The Christian-Muslim meeting that will be held in honor of His Holiness the Pope at the Martyrs' Square in Downtown Beirut is not merely a symbolic occasion, but rather an act of faith in dialogue, and a declaration of hope that kind words can overcome fear, and that sincere encounter can build a true peace based not on interests but on mutual respect and recognition of human dignity."
Then, His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif, Head of the Episcopal Committee for Ecumenical Work, and Coordinator of the Meeting, delivered a speech in which he said:
"We meet today on the occasion of an event that brings a new breath of hope to the Church in Lebanon and to the entire nation: the anticipated Papal visit during this month. This is not a protocol visit, but a meeting of grace, reminding us that the Church, in all its Families, is called to walk together in one spirit, and to renew its witness in this East, which has borne the name of Christ since Antioch first proclaimed it… Let us welcome this visit with open hearts, with the authentic spirit of Antioch, and with the determination that Diakonia will be the path to our unity, the Resurrection will be the reference point for our witness, and Christ the foundation of all that we build together. Let us walk, with unwavering faith, on one journey, towards the resurrection of Lebanon, Church and people."
Afterwards, Mrs. Micheline Abi Samra, Representing Solidere, the Company hosting the event, and Founder of the Beirut Chants Festival, delivered a speech in which she noted, "We chose Martyrs' Square, a place that encapsulates the history and essence of Lebanon, in the heart of the Capital city that has repeatedly risen from the ashes to remain a beacon of dialogue and a permanent platform for unity among the sons and daughters of one nation and one humanity. This Square has always brought together Lebanese from all walks of life and honored all the martyrs of the nation who gave their lives in defense of freedom and unity."
At the end, the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary, a Member of the meeting's organizing committee, and Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), delivered a speech in which she mentioned that "the committee responsible for coordinating this meeting, under the guidance of the Vatican's central committee, worked diligently with the entire team and committees to organize this national Ecumenical gathering at the highest level, ensuring that invitations included Leaders of all Christian Denominations, major Islamic Authorities, and people dedicated to interfaith dialogue."
In response to a question from the Middle East Council of Churches' media, His Eminence Archbishop Youssef Soueif affirmed that the speech that the Holy Father will deliver at the meeting would bring much peace, hope, and joy to a nation yearning for unity and tranquility.
It is worth noting that this historic meeting embodies the human values that unite everyone, despite the diversity of their traditions. Hence, the Beirut Chants El-Sistema Choir, the Imam Musa Al-Sadr Foundation Choir, and the Islamic Orphanage Choir will participate to present hymns and chants specially prepared for this event.
