Address to Journalists during the Return Flight from Lebanon (2 December 2025)

Author: Pope Leo XIV

On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, the Holy Father fielded questions from journalists, in an interview conducted by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office.

Matteo Bruni

Good morning Your Holiness, good morning everyone

Thank you for allowing us to be here behind you to meet you. Thank you for these days in which we have been able to follow your journey through the two countries you have visited. Regarding this last country, Lebanon, we journalists have a few questions, but first I would like to say a word. There is a journalist who for many years has worked covering the Holy See, the Vatican, and the Pope, and who will be retiring in December: Cindy Wooden, who works with CNS. Our relationship with her has been very valuable and friendly all these years.

As for the questions, the first one is from a Lebanese journalist, unless you wish to say a word beforehand.

Pope Leo XIV

Just one word. Good morning, everyone! First of all, I want to thank all of you who have worked so hard, and I would like you to pass this message on to the other journalists, both those in Turkey and those in Lebanon, to all those who have worked to communicate the important messages of this trip. Thank you all; you deserve a big round of applause for your work. Thank you

Matteo Bruni

The first question is from Joseph Farchakh of Lebanese public television (LBC International)

Joseph Farchakh - Lebanese Public Television (LBC International)

First of all, thank you so much for granting us this opportunity as the only Lebanese media outlet accompanying you on your first trip abroad. Before asking my question, I'd like to present you with this gift from the LBCI family. It was taken while you were traveling from place to place. This is you, and these are the different places you stopped at. You can see Our Lady of Lebanon, Saint Charbel, the port of Beirut—all the highlights.

So, we truly thank you for blessing us with this opportunity. On the reverse, you will find a heartfelt thank you from our Chairman of the Board and his wife, Pierre and Randa Daher, who are very grateful for this opportunity. It was painted live as you traveled from one destination to another.

And returning now to my question, Your Holiness. You are an American Pope leading a peace process; you are on a peace mission in the region. My question is: Will you use your connections with President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, given that you previously stated on the plane that the Vatican is a friend of Israel? Will you raise the need to stop Israeli aggression against Lebanon? Is it possible to achieve a sustainable peace in the region?

Pope Leo XIV

First of all, yes, I believe that it is possible to achieve a sustainable peace. I think that when we speak of hope, when we speak of peace and look to the future, we do so because I believe it is possible for peace to return to the region and to your country, to Lebanon. In fact, I have already begun, in a very modest way, conversations with some of the leaders of the places you have mentioned, and I intend to continue doing so, personally or through the Holy See; because the truth is that we maintain diplomatic relations with most of the countries in the region, and we certainly hope to continue making that appeal for peace that I spoke of at the end of Mass today

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness. The next question is from Imad Atrach of Sky News Arabia

Imad Atrach - Sky News Arabia

Your Holiness, I am Lebanese, so I'm speaking in Italian, if you'll allow me. Your Holiness, in your last speech, which I believe is very important, there was a clear message to the Lebanese authorities about negotiation. So, negotiate, dialogue, build. Will the Vatican do anything concrete in this regard? Then, last night you met with a Shiite representative. Before your trip, Hezbollah sent you a message; I don't know if you received it, if you read it, and if you could tell us something about it. I am very grateful that you visited Lebanon; it was a dream for us.

Pope Leo XIV

Well, thank you. It's an aspect of this trip that, so to speak, wasn't the main focus, because the trip itself originated with ecumenical issues in mind, specifically the Council of Nicaea, the meeting with the Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs, seeking Church unity. However, it's true that during this trip I also met personally with several groups that represent political authorities, individuals, or groups involved in the region's internal and even international conflicts. Our main work isn't something we publicly proclaim in the streets; it's more behind the scenes. It's something we've already done and will continue to do: to try, so to speak, to convince the parties to lay down their arms, to abandon violence, and to come together to the negotiating table. To seek answers and solutions that are not violent, but rather more effective and better for the people.

Imad Atrach - Sky News Arabia

Did you see Hezbollah's message?

Pope Leo XIV

Yes, I saw it. Evidently, the Church has proposed that they lay down their arms and that we seek dialogue. But I prefer not to comment further on this in this context

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness. The other question is from Cindy Wooden of CNS (Catholic News Service)

Cindy Wooden - CNS

Holy Father, a couple of months ago you said that being Pope involves a learning process. When you arrived in Harissa yesterday and received a warm welcome, it seemed as if you had said, “Wow!” Can you tell us what you are learning? What is the most difficult thing for you to learn as Pope? And you also haven’t told us anything about how you felt at the conclave when it became clear what was happening. Can you tell us a little about that?

Pope Leo XIV

Well, my first comment would be that just a year or two ago, I too was thinking about retiring someday. It seems you've received that gift. While some of us will continue working.

As for the conclave itself, I firmly believe in its secrecy, although I know there have been public interviews in which some things have been revealed. The day before I was elected, a journalist approached me on the street as I was going to have lunch at the Augustinian monastery across the road and said, “What do you think? You’ve become one of the candidates!” And I simply replied, “It’s all in God’s hands.” And I deeply believe that. One of you—there’s a German journalist here—said to me the other day, “Suggest a book, besides St. Augustine, that we can read to understand who Prevost is.” Several came to mind, but one of them is a book entitled “The Practice of the Presence of God.” It’s a very simple book, written by someone who doesn’t even give his last name, Brother Lorenzo. I read it many years ago. But it describes, so to speak, a kind of prayer and spirituality in which one simply surrenders one’s life to the Lord and allows Him to guide one. If you want to know something about me, this has been my spirituality for many years. In the midst of great challenges, living in Peru during the years of terrorism, being called to serve in places I never thought I'd be sent to. I trust in God, and that's a message I share with everyone. So, how did it happen? I resigned myself to the way things were going and said that this could become a reality. I took a deep breath and said, "Here we go, Lord, you are in charge, and you guide our path."

[ Cindy Wooden repeats the first part of her question.]

Pope Leo XIV

I don't know if I said "wow" last night. In the sense that my face is very expressive, but I'm often amused by how journalists interpret it. Seriously, it's interesting. Sometimes I get really brilliant ideas from all of you, because you think you can read my mind or my face. And you can't; you're not always right

I was at the Jubilee of Youth , where there were over a million young people. Last night there was a small crowd. For me, it's always wonderful. I start thinking that these people are here because they want to see the Pope, but I tell myself that they are here because they want to see Jesus Christ, and they want to see a messenger of peace, in this particular case. So, to hear their enthusiasm and their response to that message is something I think is extraordinary—that enthusiasm is impressive. I just hope I never tire of appreciating all that these young people are showing.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness. The next question comes from Gian Guido Vecchi, Corriere della Sera

Gian Guido Vecchi – Corriere della Sera

These are tense times between NATO and Russia, with talk of hybrid warfare, the prospect of cyberattacks, and things of that nature. Do you see a risk of escalation—that is, of a conflict waged with new means, as NATO's top brass have warned? And, in this context, would negotiations for a genuine peace be possible without the involvement of Europe, which has been systematically excluded by the American administration in recent months?

Pope Leo XIV

This is clearly an important issue for world peace, but the Holy See has no direct involvement because, until now, we have not been part of NATO, nor of all the dialogues. Despite the fact that we have so often called for a ceasefire, for dialogue and not war. It is now a war with so many facets: the increase in weapons, with all the production that exists, cyberattacks, energy. Now that winter is coming, there is a very serious issue. It is clear that, on the one hand, the President of the United States thinks he can promote a peace plan that he would like to implement and that, at least initially, he has done so without Europe. However, the presence of Europe is really important, and that first proposal was also modified because of what Europe was saying. Specifically, I think that the role of Italy could be very important. Precisely, let's say, culturally and historically, because of Italy's capacity to mediate in a conflict that exists between different parties. Also Ukraine, Russia obviously, and the United States In this regard, I would suggest that the Holy See also encourage this type of mediation and that we work together to find a solution that can truly offer peace, a just peace, in this case in Ukraine. Thank you!

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness. The next question is from Elisabetta Piqué, of La Nación; she is also up here

Elisabetta Piqué - La Nación

Thank you, Holy Father, for this first international trip, first of all. The Lebanese flag has the same colors as the Peruvian flag: is this a sign that you will be making that trip to Latin America, theoretically in the second half of next year, along with Argentina and Uruguay, which were left pending? Seriously though, we wanted to ask you what trips you are planning for next year. And then, speaking of Latin America, there is a great deal of concern, a great deal of tension, because of what is happening in Venezuela. There is an ultimatum from President Trump to Maduro to leave, to relinquish power, and a threat to overthrow him with a military operation. We wanted to ask you, what are your thoughts on this? Thank you.

Pope Leo XIV

As for travel, nothing is certain. I hope to take a trip to Africa. It would possibly be my next trip.

Elisabetta Piqué

Where?

Pope Leo XIV

Africa, Africa. Personally, I hope to go to Algeria, to visit the places associated with the life of Saint Augustine, but also to continue the discourse of dialogue, of building bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds. I've had the opportunity to speak about this topic in the past, albeit in a different way. Interestingly, the figure of Saint Augustine is very helpful as a bridge, because in Algeria he is highly respected as a son of the nation. That's one option; as for other possible countries, we are working on it. Obviously, I would very much like to visit Latin America, Argentina and Uruguay, which are awaiting the Pope's visit. I think Peru would also welcome me. And then, if I go to Peru, I would also visit many neighboring countries. But everything is still in the planning stages, and the plans are not yet finalized.

Elisabetta Piqué

26 or 27?

Pope Leo XIV

26 or 27, we're seeing

Elisabetta Piqué

Thank you

Pope Leo XIV

Regarding Venezuela, at the level of the Episcopal Conference, with the Nuncio, we are looking for ways to calm the situation, seeking above all the good of the people, because so often it is the people who suffer in these situations, not the authorities. The voices coming from the United States change, and quite frequently; sometimes, we have to see. On the one hand, it seems there has been a telephone conversation between the two Presidents, and on the other hand, there is that danger, that possibility of some activity, some operation even invading Venezuelan territory. I don't know more. Again, I think it is better to seek ways of dialogue, perhaps pressure, even economic pressure, but looking for another way to bring about change, if that is what the United States decides to do

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Elisabetta. Your Holiness, the other question comes from Mikael Corre de La Croix

Mikael Corre - La Croix

Hello, Your Holiness. Thank you for this fascinating journey. You just spoke about continuing to build bridges between different worlds, and I would like to ask you something. Some Catholics in Europe believe that Islam is a threat to the Christian identity of the West. Are they right? What would you say to them?

Pope Leo XIV

All the conversations I had during my stay, both in Turkey and Lebanon, including those with many Muslims, focused precisely on the theme of peace and respect for people of different faiths. I know, in fact, that this hasn't always been the case. I know that there are many fears in Europe, but often these fears are generated by people who are against immigration and try to keep away people who may be from another country, another religion, another race. And in that sense, I would say that we all must work together. One of the values of this trip is precisely to draw the world's attention to the fact that dialogue and friendship between Muslims and Christians are possible. I believe that one of the great lessons that Lebanon can teach the world is precisely to show a land where Islam and Christianity are present and respected, and where the possibility of coexistence, of being friends, exists. The stories, testimonies, and accounts we've heard, even in the last two days, of people helping each other—Christians and Muslims, both with their villages destroyed, for example—show that it is possible to unite and work together. I think these are lessons that would also be important to hear in Europe or North America. That perhaps we should be a little less afraid and look for ways to promote genuine dialogue and respect.

Matteo Bruni

The next question comes from ARD Radio journalist Ana Giordano

Ana Giordano - ARD Radio

The Church in Lebanon also has the support of the German Church. For example, there are some very active German aid agencies in Lebanon. From that perspective, it is important that the German Church be strong. You are probably aware of the Synodal Path, which we call the Synodal Way , a process of change taking place in the German Church. Do you think this process could be a way to strengthen the Church in Germany? Or is it the other way around? And why?

Pope Leo XIV

The Synodal Path is not unique to Germany; the entire Church has held a Synod on synodality in recent years. There are some important similarities, but also some notable differences between how the Synodal Path has been carried out in Germany and how it might continue in the universal Church. On the one hand, I would say that there is certainly room for respect for inculturation. The fact that synodality is lived in one way in one place and in another does not mean that there will be a rupture or a fracture. I think it is very important to remember this. At the same time, I am aware that many Catholics in Germany believe that certain aspects of the Synodal Path as it has been celebrated in Germany so far do not represent their own hope for the Church or their own way of living the Church. Therefore, it is necessary to continue dialogue and listening within Germany itself, so that no one's voice is excluded, and so that the voice of the most powerful does not silence or stifle the voice of those who may also be very numerous, but who lack a place to express themselves and make their own voices and expressions of participation in the Church heard. At the same time, as you surely know, the group of German bishops has been meeting, for the past two years, with a group of cardinals from the Roman Curia. There, too, a process is underway to try to ensure that the German Synodal Path does not stray, so to speak, from what should be considered the path of the universal Church. I am sure that it will continue. I imagine that some adjustments will be made by both sides in Germany, but I certainly hope that things will turn out well.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness, thank you, Ana. And the last question, Your Holiness, is from Rita El-Mounayer (Sat-7 International), another journalist who comes from Lebanon

Rita El-Mounayer - Sat-7 International

We are four different Christian channels broadcasting in the Middle East and North Africa: two in Arabic, one in Farsi, and one in Turkish. First and foremost, I would like to thank you for dedicating your time to the Lebanese people. I myself am a child of war, and I know how much it means to receive a hug from His Holiness, a pat on the shoulder, and to hear him say that everything will be alright. And what has impressed me most is your motto, Your Holiness, which says, "In the one Christ we are one." This motto speaks of building bridges between different Christian denominations, between religions, and also between neighbors, which can sometimes be a bit difficult.

So my question is, from your own perspective, what unique gift does the Church in the Middle East—with all its tears, wounds, challenges, and past history—have to offer to the Church in the West and the world?

Pope Leo XIV

Let me begin my response by saying that today, people who have grown up in a very individualistic society—young people who have spent a lot of time isolated during the Covid pandemic, and whose personal relationships are often very limited, since they really only develop through computer screens or smartphones—sometimes ask themselves, “Why should we want to be one? I am an individual, and I don’t care about others.” I think there is a very important message to convey to everyone, and that is that unity, friendship, human connection, and fellowship are extremely important and valuable. Even just by considering the example you mentioned, referring to someone who has lived through a war or has suffered and is going through a painful time, what a hug can mean to that person. How that very human, real, and healthy expression of self-care can heal another person’s heart. On a personal level, this can become, so to speak, a common ground, a community level that unites us all and helps us understand that mutual respect goes far beyond “you keep your distance, I’ll stay here and you stay there, and we won’t have any interaction.” It means building relationships that will enrich everyone. With that message, my motto is undoubtedly primarily Christ- in-illo , meaning, “in Christ, who is One, we are all one.” But it’s not defined, so to speak, only for Christians. In fact, it’s an invitation to all of us and to others, saying that the more we promote genuine unity and understanding, respect, and human relationships of friendship and dialogue in the world, the greater the possibility that we will lay down the weapons of war, that we will put aside the mistrust, hatred, and animosity that have so often accumulated, and that we will find ways to unite and be able to promote genuine peace and justice throughout the world.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you, Your Holiness, thank you for this and all your answers. Thank you for your availability throughout this trip

Pope Leo XIV

Safe travels to all, and thank you.

Matteo Bruni

Thank you