During his December 1, 2025, visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo called on young people to model their lives after the example of Saint Charbel Makhlouf.
Saint Charbel is a Lebanese Maronite priest, monk, and hermit, known for leading “a life of extreme asceticism and devotion to God,” and for his miraculous intercessory power. His intercession has resulted in approximately 33,000 recorded healing miracles.
During his address to the Lebanese young people, Pope Leo listed Saint Charbel’s many holy virtues and encouraged them to emulate him. Young people responded with cheers of joy.
“As you strive to do good, I ask you to be contemplative like Saint Charbel by praying, reading sacred scripture, participating in Holy Mass, and spending time in adoration,” Pope Leo said.
Urging the youth to follow Saint Charbel’s contemplative path, Pope Leo added:
“In a world of distractions and vanity, take time each day to close your eyes and look only to God. He sometimes seems silent or absent, but he reveals himself to those who seek him in silence.”
“He helped those abandoned and forgotten by everyone. What powerful light comes from the darkness into which Saint Charbel chose to withdraw,” Pope Leo also said.
The Holy Father also reflected on Saint Charbel’s deep spiritual vision:
“His eyes are always depicted as closed, as if veiling an infinitely greater mystery. Through the eyes of Saint Charbel, which were closed in order to see God more clearly, we continue to perceive God's light with greater clarity.”
Also addressing the youth directly, he prayed:
“Dear young people, may the divine light also shine on your eyes and may the incense of prayer blossom forth.”