The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV today urged Lebanese people to "remain" in their country, where an economic collapse has exacerbated mass emigration, and called for "reconciliation" to overcome deep divisions in Lebanon.
The Pope, who came to Beirut from Turkey, brought a message of peace to Lebanon, a country that fears a return to open conflict with Israel.
In a speech at the presidential palace shortly after his arrival, Leo XIV stressed the need to work for "peace" without mentioning regional tensions or recent Israeli bombings.
The Pope also stressed the need for authorities and institutions to recognize that "the common good is greater than the good of any one group" and called on the ruling class to "serve the people with dedication and commitment."
The major economic crisis that erupted in the fall of 2019 is largely attributed to the inattention of the political class, which is regularly accused of favoritism and corruption.
In his address to officials, civil society and the diplomatic corps, who welcomed the pope with applause, Leo XIV called on Lebanon to "embark on the difficult path of reconciliation in order to heal personal and collective wounds."
The last war with Israel deepened the divisions, and the Shiite movement Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in October 2023 to support the Palestinian Hamas, which provoked opposition from a large part of other communities, including Christians.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the only Christian head of state in the Arab world, said that "preserving Lebanon, the only model of coexistence between Christians and Muslims, is his duty to humanity."
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