The upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon has rekindled a glimmer of hope for many in the small, crisis-battered country.

Israel has attacked Beirut’s suburbs just two days after Lebanon’s president said he was open to negotiations.

Pope Leo will embark on his first trip outside Italy as the leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, travelling to Turkey and Lebanon, where he is expected to make appeals for peace in the region and urge unity among long-divided Christian churches.

Lebanon is a country where crosses rise from mountaintops, rooftops and street corners, and Christian symbols are woven into everyday life.

Charbel Matar says a Lebanese saint saved his life when he was a child. Now, he is among pilgrims of all faiths who visit Saint Charbel's tomb, soon to be graced by Pope Leo XIV."My family and I have great faith in Saint Charbel and always visit him,

The Beirut-set drama stars Hasan Akil and Mounia Akl as childhood sweethearts Nino and Yasmina, who lose sight of one another, to reunite in their 20s, with their relationship developing in step with Lebanon’s tumultuous history.