ANNAYA, Lebanon - Mr Charbel Matar says a Lebanese saint saved his life when he was a child. Now, he is among pilgrims of all faiths who visit Saint Charbel’s tomb, soon to be graced by Pope Leo XIV.

“My family and I have great faith in Saint Charbel and always visit him,” said Mr Matar, 69, at the Saint Maron Monastery in Annaya in the mountains of north Lebanon.