Pope Leo Urges Lebanese Leaders to Prioritize Peace Amid Regional Tensions
Pope Leo Urges Lebanese Leaders to Prioritize Peace Amid Regional Tensions
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Pope Leo has called on Lebanese political and religious leaders to make peace their highest priority during his visit to the country, which continues to face the spillover of conflict in the region, including Israeli airstrikes.
According to Reuters, the appeal was made on the second leg of his first overseas trip as Catholic leader, following a four-day visit to Turkey where he condemned violence in the name of religion and warned about the global proliferation of armed conflicts.
Addressing a chamber at the presidential palace filled with leaders from Lebanon’s diverse religious communities, Pope Leo invoked the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” According to Reuters, he used the term “peace” over twenty times, stressing that Lebanon must persevere in reconciliation efforts despite a “highly complex, conflictual and uncertain” regional situation. Attendees included President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and senior Hezbollah officials, including Mohammad Raad.
Pope Leo also encouraged Lebanese citizens to remain in or return to their country, emphasizing that true courage and foresight involve staying to rebuild one’s homeland. He urged leaders to commit themselves “at the service of your people” and follow a “path of reconciliation,” noting that divisions remain decades after the 1975–1990 civil war.
Lebanon, which hosts over 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees and continues to grapple with economic crisis, has been affected by ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. According to Reuters, Pope Leo highlighted that “commitment and love for peace know no fear in the face of apparent defeat,” emphasizing tenacity as essential for building lasting peace.
Crowds waving Lebanese and Vatican flags lined streets to welcome the Pope, reflecting hopes that his visit will inspire both political leaders and citizens toward reconciliation and stability, according to Reuters.
