The Vatican will recognize Lebanon as a pilgrimage destination in 2019, according to a source. Lebanon has been absent from the list that is issued by the Holy See for twelve years. This list is used as the main reference by pilgrims from around the world.
President Michel Aoun is behind this move. He brought up the issue during his official visit to the Vatican.
How hundreds of Israeli Christians are making pilgrimages to Lebanon
Who knew that Lebanon is a famous pilgrimage site in Israel? Lebanon and Israel do not have diplomatic relations since they are enemy states. However, many Israeli Christians have made pilgrimages to Lebanon in the past 100 years. The trips, which are organized by the Galilee’s Christian clergymen in Israel, last for a week. People from all ages visit Lebanon to pray and visit holy sites.
Haaretz
The people who would like to take part in this trip register their names in the church. Then, the Palestinian authorities issue passports to the visitors. These passports are valid for one visit. The pilgrims go from Israel to Jordan, and then they fly to Beirut. The trip is organized in a way that leaves little time for participants for themselves. They have about two to three hours to spend in malls. The instructions are clear: visitors should follow the schedule and not go anywhere without the guide’s knowledge.
