During a moving Mass at Beirut Waterfront, Pope Leo XIV appeals for reconciliation in Lebanon and across the Middle East, urging Christians to be beacons of peace amid turmoil and suffering.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his apostolic visit to Lebanon on Tuesday with a powerful message of hope and resilience, urging the country’s Christian faithful to remain steadfast in their mission as “artisans of peace” despite the heavy weight of conflict and instability.
Celebrating Mass at the Beirut Waterfront, the Pope addressed thousands of believers gathered under tight security and emotional anticipation. “I come to you as a pilgrim of hope,” he said, adding that he prays earnestly for “this beloved land, marked by instability, wars, and suffering.”
In a region long plagued by division and despair, the pontiff’s words were both a spiritual balm and a firm call to action. “Dear Christians of the Levant, when the results of your efforts for peace are slow in coming, I invite you to lift your gaze to the Lord who is coming,” he proclaimed. He called on all to walk the path of “coexistence, fraternity, and peace,” rejecting retaliation and embracing reconciliation.
Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need for a cultural shift in the Middle East, one that breaks cycles of vengeance and moves towards education for peace. “The path of mutual hostility and destruction in the horror of war has been traveled too long,” he warned. “We need to change course.”
His message extended beyond Lebanon, touching on broader global concerns. He prayed for the peoples of the Middle East, voiced support for a peaceful resolution to political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, and expressed sorrow for the victims of the tragic fire in Hong Kong, offering prayers for their families.
The Pope also issued a strong appeal to the international community and political leaders: “Spare no effort to promote dialogue and reconciliation in all places torn by war and violence.”
Concluding his homily with a heartfelt invocation, Pope Leo turned once again to the Christians of the region: “To you, Christians of the Levant, citizens of these lands in every respect, I repeat: have courage! The whole Church looks to you with affection and admiration.”
He entrusted the faithful to the protection of the Virgin Mary, invoking her as Our Lady of Harissa—an enduring symbol of hope for Lebanon.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved