BLOG: Apostolic Journeys
Following a historic three-day visit to Lebanon, Pope Benedict is now on his way back to Rome. This was a very important trip for the 85-year old Pontiff. Despite increased tension and violence in the Middle East, he spent time meeting with government officials, signed the long-awaited Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente and met ...read more
One of the most significant moments of the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon thus far has been the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccleisa in Medio Oriente. He signed the message yesterday during his visit to the Melkite Catholic Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa. He then presented it to the people of Lebanon ...read more
Earlier today, Pope Benedict celebrated Mass and officially presented the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut. Published below are copies of his homily and Angelus, which followed the celebration of Mass. Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Eph 1:3).  ...read more
Pope Benedict XVI is known to have a special place in his heart for young people. Following his meeting with government officials, he delivered an address to young people gathered on the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate at Bkerke. Published below is a copy of his official text. Your Beatitude, Brother Bishops, Dear ...read more
On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more
Today the Pope landed in Lebanon to release his highly-anticipated message about the Christians of the Middle East. Why are the Christians struggling? And how can the Pope help them? On Catholic Focus, we interview the Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church and an Armenian Orthodox peace activist. We ask them what they expect the ...read more
In a continuing series of his events in Lebanon today, Pope Benedict visited St. Paul’s Melkite Greek Basilica in Harissa and signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente. This stems from a special Synod of Bishops in the Middle East that took place at the Vatican in 2010. Below is a copy of ...read more
After many preparations ahead of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he has finally arrived. Today marks the beginning of his three-day pastoral visit to Lebanon. Below, you will find a copy of his speech that he delivered, upon arrival at Beirut’s Rafiq Hariri International Airport. Mr President, It is my honour to accept your invitation, ...read more
Salt + Light Television is proud to bring you live daily coverage of Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic visit to Lebanon from September 14-16. On his fourth trip to the Middle East as Pope, he will present the conclusions from the 2010 Synod of Bishops on the Middle East. This will be his first trip to ...read more
The Lebanese government and the Lebanese Bishop’s conference announced today that Pope Benedict will visit the country September 14 to 16. During the visit the Holy Father will celebrate Mass in Beirut, the nation’s capital, and hand over to the bishops of the Middle East his post-synodal exhortation for the Middle East. In October 2010 ...read more