Pope Leo XIV called for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and new approaches for peace in the Middle East before returning to Rome on Tuesday, ending his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff.

A 150,000-strong mass at Beirut's waterfront was the highlight of the trip by the head of the world's Catholics, who arrived in Lebanon on Sunday after visiting Turkey, the start of his six-day trip.

Before landing in Rome on Tuesday afternoon, the 70-year-old pontiff told journalists aboard the papal plane that he looked forward to his next international trip, which has yet to be officially confirmed.

"I hope to make a trip to Africa, which would possibly be my next trip to confirm," he said, adding that he hoped to visit Algeria "to visit the places where St Augustine lived".

He also mentioned "Lati

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