Pope Leo XIV urges new approaches to reject violence and overcome divisions in the Middle East, calling for courage from Christians in the region.
BEIRUT: Pope Leo XIV has called for new approaches to reject violence and overcome divisions in the Middle East.
He made the appeal on Tuesday during a mass in Beirut attended by some 150,000 people, on the third day of his first trip abroad as pontiff.
“The Middle East needs new approaches in order to reject the mindset of revenge and violence, to overcome political, social and religious divisions, and to open new chapters in the name of reconciliation and peace,” he said.
He stated he wanted “to come as a pilgrim of hope to the Middle East, imploring God for the gift of peace for this beloved land, marked by instability, wars and suffering”.
The Pope made a special appeal for Lebanon, asking the international community to spare no effort in promoting dialogue.
He also issued “a heartfelt appeal to those who hold political and social authority here and in all countries marked by war and violence”.
“Listen to the cry of your peoples who are calling for peace,” he said.
“Let us all place ourselves at the service of life, the common good and the integral development of people,” he added.
The Pope’s visit comes amid regional tensions, with Israel continuing strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire.
Addressing Christians directly, he said, “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 added.
