Lebanon

Lebanon is a small nation in the Middle East, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, covering approximately 10,452 km² with a population of about 5.3 million as of 2024. Known for its banking, tourism, and cultural heritage, Lebanon’s economy faces challenges from political instability and conflict, with Arabic as the official language. The Catholic Church, with approximately 1.9 million adherents (36% of the population), plays a significant role, primarily through Maronite, Melkite, and other Eastern Catholic communities, introduced in the early Christian era. Catholicism shapes cultural and political life through devotion to Our Lady of Lebanon, the nation’s patroness, and festivals like Maronite Feast Days.

Lebanon’s Mediterranean climate and diverse culture, blending Phoenician, Arab, and Christian influences, foster a strong Catholic presence, evident in sites like the Harissa Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. The Church runs schools, universities, and hospitals, maintaining influence amid religious pluralism and ongoing crises. Rooted in its ancient Christian history and complex sectarian system, Catholicism remains a cornerstone of Lebanese identity, despite challenges from secularization and regional conflicts. Stored: Lebanon

Country: Lebanon
Historic:	Yes
Existence:	–
Continent:	Asia
Region:	Middle East
Historical Region:
Area:	10452 km²
Population:	5300000
Catholic Population:	1900000
Catholic Percentage:	36%
Catholicism Status:	Significant minority religion
Official Languages:	Arabic
Capital:	Beirut
Catholicism Introduced:	1st century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	9
Dioceses:	26
Patron Saints:	Our Lady of Lebanon, Saint Maron
Predecessor States:
Successor States:

Geography

Lebanon is bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, covering 10,452 km². Its Mediterranean climate supports agriculture and tourism, with coastal plains, the Bekaa Valley, and Mount Lebanon. Major cities, including Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon, host Catholic communities, with shrines like Harissa serving as pilgrimage hubs. Lebanon’s geography facilitates Catholic festivals and processions, particularly in mountainous Christian areas.

History

Lebanon’s history traces back to Phoenician civilizations, followed by Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, achieving independence in 1943. Catholicism, rooted in the 1st century, grew through Maronite communities founded by Saint Maron in the 4th century. The Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch, established in the 7th century, solidified Catholic presence. Despite Islamic rule and 20th-century conflicts, including the 1975-1990 civil war, the Church remains influential, supported by the Maronite Synod.

Demographics

Lebanon’s population of approximately 5.3 million is diverse, with Arabs (95%), Armenians, and others. Catholics, including Maronites (21%), Melkites (5%), and others (10%), number about 1.9 million (36%), alongside Sunni and Shia Muslims (each ~30%) and Druze (5%). Urban areas like Beirut and rural Mount Lebanon have strong Catholic communities. Religious pluralism and emigration challenge Catholic retention.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Lebanon operates under nine ecclesiastical jurisdictions, including Maronite, Melkite, Armenian, Chaldean, and Latin rites, with 26 dioceses and over 1,000 parishes. The Church runs institutions like Saint Joseph University and hospitals, led by patriarchs like Bechara Boutros al-Rahi (Maronite). It promotes Catholic Social Teaching in education and humanitarian aid.

Structure

The Church includes:

• Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch (Bkerké): Eparchies include Eparchy of Beirut, Eparchy of Tripoli, Eparchy of Zahlé, and others.
• Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch (Damascus, with jurisdiction in Lebanon): Eparchies include Eparchy of Beirut and Jbeil, Eparchy of Tyre.
• Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia (Bzommar): Eparchy of Beirut.
• Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Beirut.
• Syriac Catholic Eparchy of Beirut.
• Latin Apostolic Vicariate of Beirut.

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism arrived in the 1st century, with early Christian communities in Tyre and Sidon. The Maronite Church, formalized in the 4th century by Saint Maron, became a distinct Eastern Catholic rite in communion with Rome by the 12th century. Crusader influence strengthened ties with the Vatican.

Key historical events

Key milestones include the Maronite Church’s union with Rome in 1182 and the establishment of the Maronite Patriarchate in the 7th century. The 1860 Mount Lebanon civil war saw Maronite leadership in Christian defense. The Church mediated during the 1975-1990 civil war and supported recovery post-2020 Beirut explosion. Pope John Paul II’s 1997 visit and Pope Benedict XVI’s 2012 visit reinforced Catholicism’s role.

Catholicism status

Catholicism, with 36% of the population, is a significant minority religion in a sectarian system, enjoying legal recognition alongside Islam and Druze. The Church wields political and cultural influence, navigating religious pluralism, emigration, and conflict. Its role in education and charity sustains prominence.

Administrative subdivisions

Lebanon is divided into eight governorates, which serve as first-level administrative subdivisions. These are: Akkar, Baalbek-Hermel, Beirut, Beqaa, Mount Lebanon, Nabatieh, North, and South. Beirut serves as the administrative and Catholic hub.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Saint Maron’s Day on February 9 and Our Lady of Lebanon on the first Sunday of May with processions and masses, blending Maronite traditions. Christmas and Easter feature vibrant liturgies.

Education and charity

The Church runs institutions like Saint Joseph University and Caritas Lebanon, aiding refugees, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage shines in the Harissa Shrine, a 20th-century pilgrimage site, and Maronite monasteries like Qozhaya, with intricate religious art.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Harissa Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon attracts millions annually, especially in May. Saint Charbel’s Monastery in Annaya draws global pilgrims.

Historical churches

The Saint George Maronite Cathedral in Beirut, built in 1888, and Qozhaya Monastery, dating to the 12th century, are significant for their architecture.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Our Lady of Lebanon and Saint Maron are Lebanon’s patrons, celebrated with widespread devotion.

Associated saints and blesseds

Notable saints include Saint Charbel Makhlouf, canonized in 1977, and Saint Rafka, canonized in 2001, both Maronites. Blessed Estephan Nehme, beatified in 2010, is revered.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Church faces emigration, secularization, and regional conflicts, including tensions with Israel and Syria. Protestant and Muslim growth also challenges Catholic influence. It responds with interfaith dialogue and social outreach.

Social and political influence

The Catholic Church shapes Lebanon’s sectarian politics, with Maronite leaders holding key roles, and supports education, healthcare, and refugee aid through Caritas Lebanon, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

External links

• "Lebanon". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lebanon/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in Lebanon". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/LB.htm. 
• "Religion in Lebanon". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/lebanon.