Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s bishops, clergy, and pastoral workers on Monday that Christians can remain steadfast in hope “even when surrounded by the sound of weapons,” urging them to look to the Virgin Mary as a model of faith in dark and uncertain times.

Pope Leo XIV is praying at the tomb of a Lebanese saint revered among Christians and Muslims. He is opening his first full day in Lebanon with a message of peace and religious coexistence in a region torn by conflict.

Addressing some 400 government officials at his first public engagement in Beirut, the pope said Lebanon needs "authorities and institutions that recognize the common good as superior to the particular.

In Lebanon, a country whose political leaders are accused of vast corruption, Pope Leo has asked the political class to set aside personal interests for the shared benefit of society.

As part of the global Airbus recall on most of their A320 aircrafts, the ITA Airways plane Pope Leo is using during his trip to Turkey and Lebanon had to undergo a technical fix before departing for Beirut.

The pontiff also celebrated Mass in Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena for the country’s Catholic community. He is scheduled to fly to Lebanon on Sunday.