Photos show Christian landmarks in Lebanon ahead of the pope’s visit – CityNews Halifax

Halifax
By Hassan Ammar, The Associated Press
Posted Nov 24, 2025 04:08:19 AM.
Last Updated Nov 24, 2025 04:16:21 AM.
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon is a country where crosses rise from mountaintops, rooftops and street corners, and Christian symbols are woven into everyday life. The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV highlights the depth of Christianity’s roots in this small Mediterranean nation, dating to the earliest days of the faith.
From Mount Lebanon’s peaks to the coastal plain, ancient sites sit beside modern life, reflecting a landscape shaped by centuries of Christian presence. Lebanon’s mosaic of 18 sects — including 12 Christian ones — makes it one of the region’s most diverse societies, with a Maronite Christian traditionally serving as president.
Christianity reached Lebanon in the first century, with the New Testament recounting Jesus’ visits to Sidon and Tyre. In the north, the Qadisha Valley sheltered some of the earliest monastic communities, carved into cliffs that still overlook the gorge. Pilgrims today continue to visit major sites such as the shrine of St. Charbel in Annaya and the hilltop shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, which draws both Christians and Muslims seeking blessing and comfort.
Lebanese Christians, like the rest of the population, have endured years of economic collapse, political paralysis and conflict — most recently last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah. While many see the pope’s visit as a rare moment of hope, Christians in the south are disappointed he won’t visit their region.
Southern Lebanon is home to important Christian sites, including Qana, where tradition holds that Jesus performed his first miracle, and the sanctuary of Our Lady of Waiting in Maghdousheh, believed to be where Mary waited while Jesus traveled nearby.
For many Lebanese Christians, these places reflect a long struggle to preserve identity through crisis and war. As Lebanon prepares to welcome the pope, many hope his visit brings a sense of unity, recognition and solace to a weary nation.
___
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Hassan Ammar, The Associated Press

























The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall notice for YOP drinkable yogurt due to the presence of pieces of plastic. Yoplait Canada said in a statement that it proactively issued…
13h ago
One person is dead following a single vehicle crash on Hwy 215 in Rines Creek. East Hants RCMP says it was called to the scene, alone with fire services and EHS, shortly after 4 p.m. on Nov. 21. According…
16h ago
RCMP have issued a province-wide arrest warrant for a man from Colchester County. Steven Joseph “Dakota” Maloney, 34, is facing a charge of failure to comply with a release order. Police describe…
15h ago
Home of the first curling club in Halifax, the municipality is looking to commemorate the sport and its roots with a brand new light projection show. Spectators can enjoy the “From Pond to Podium”…
12h ago
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall notice for YOP drinkable yogurt due to the presence of pieces of plastic. Yoplait Canada said in a statement that it proactively issued…
13h ago
One person is dead following a single vehicle crash on Hwy 215 in Rines Creek. East Hants RCMP says it was called to the scene, alone with fire services and EHS, shortly after 4 p.m. on Nov. 21. According…
16h ago
RCMP have issued a province-wide arrest warrant for a man from Colchester County. Steven Joseph “Dakota” Maloney, 34, is facing a charge of failure to comply with a release order. Police describe…
15h ago
Home of the first curling club in Halifax, the municipality is looking to commemorate the sport and its roots with a brand new light projection show. Spectators can enjoy the “From Pond to Podium”…
12h ago
Dashcame footage from Sam Sepehri’s drive on Thursday morning in Halifax shows a city vehicle almost backing into a pedestrian.
Among the seven Canadians arrested in a crackdown on drug lord Ryan Wedding, U.S. officials allege lawyer Deepak Paradkar was a close ally to Wedding and advised him to kill a witness.
The FBI, along with the RCMP and other international authorities, announced a $15M reward for the arrest of former Canadian snowboarding Olympian turned drug kingpin, as well as the arrest of seven other Canadians.
Four people, including two children, remain missing north of Halifax after torrential rain swept across the province. Michelle Mackey has the latest on the search effort and what comes next for the province.
Rhianne Campbell is checking in with small businesses to see how they’ve adapted to the uncertainty surrounding the crown corporation this holiday season.
10h ago
Now New and Improved! Listen live to NewsRadio Halifax anytime and get breaking-news, traffic, and weather from CityNews Halifax – available for both Android and iOS.

source