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Pope Leo concluded his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon on Tuesday. Bringing the 6-day apostolic visit to a close, he said: “We hope to involve the entire Middle East in [a] spirit of fraternity and commitment to peace, including those who currently consider themselves enemies.” Reflecting on the three days he spent in Lebanon, Pope Leo referenced the country’s rich spiritual heritage and the resilience of its people, noting the deep veneration for the Blessed Virgin Mary shared by both Christians and Muslims.

Addressing the ongoing challenges facing the country, he expressed solidarity with victims of the Beirut port explosion in 2020:

“I carry with me the pain and the thirst for truth and justice, of so many families, [and] an entire country.”

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Calling for an end to hostilities, he added:

“We must recognise that armed struggle brings no benefit. While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive. Let us all choose peace as a way, not just as a goal!”

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The Pope invoked the words of Saint John Paul II:

“Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message! Let us learn to work together and hope together, so that this may become a reality.”

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Source & Image: Vatican News