During his landmark visit to Lebanon, Pope Leo has emphasized the importance of coexistence among diverse religious communities in a country often marked by its intricate sectarian divides. His presence serves as a clarion call for unity amidst a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, highlighting that despite historical differences, hope and reconciliation remain attainable goals for the Lebanese population.
Pope Leo has called for “coexistence” during the second day of his visit to Lebanon, uniting clerics from various religious traditions on both sides of what was once a civil war dividing line, as he advocated for harmony in a region grappling with violence. Standing in Martyrs’ Square on Monday, a historical site that marked the “green line” dividing Muslim west and Christian east Beirut during the 1975–90 civil war, the Pope stated that Lebanon exemplifies that “fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word.”
In an age when coexistence may seem challenging, he expressed admiration for the Lebanese people, who, despite holding different religious beliefs, serve as a strong testament to the possibility of unity, reconciliation, and peace. The Pope remarked, “May every bell toll; every adhan, every call to prayer blend into a single, soaring hymn,” drawing upon the Arabic term for the Muslim call to prayer.
Martyrs’ Square has long served as a symbol of Lebanon’s struggle against sectarianism and the quest for political change. While religious leaders gathered in harmony under one tent, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported that the ongoing political complexities in the nation mean the reality remains one of deep divisions despite the appearance of unity.
Pope Leo arrived in Lebanon on Sunday as his first overseas trip as pontiff, which also included a stop in Turkiye. During his visit, he met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Arab world’s sole Christian head of state, and addressed diplomats at the presidential palace. Earlier, he visited the tomb of St. Charbel, a revered Catholic saint in the region, and later traveled to Harissa, a hillside shrine with breathtaking Mediterranean views, where crowds enthusiastically welcomed him with shouts of “Viva il Papa.”
Approximately 15,000 young individuals later gathered at the Maronite Catholic headquarters to hear the 70-year-old pope speak, where he shared an inspiring message about hope, reminding them of the potential for change and growth in their lives, and urging them to strive for good.
Lebanon is home to one of the Middle East’s largest Christian communities, comprising roughly 30 percent of the population. The nation also boasts a rich tapestry of Muslim communities, including Shia and Sunni sects, alongside Alawite and Druze minorities. Representatives from all major sects attended the interfaith gathering, which included leaders from communities that have faced violence in neighboring Syria. Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, deputy head of the Supreme Shia Islamic Council, expressed gratitude for the papal visit but cautioned that Lebanon continues to bear deep wounds from the impacts of regional hostilities.
As Pope Leo delivered his message of unity, Lebanon remains entangled in broader regional tensions, highlighted by Hezbollah’s recent actions amid a complex and ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Although Hezbollah described its military actions as expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian people, concerns loom over the prospect of escalating violence and renewed conflicts in the region.
Despite ongoing cross-border strikes that have tragically claimed many lives, including innocent civilians and refugees, the Pope’s visit is seen by many as a chance for dialogue and a potential deterrent against further escalation. Nevertheless, there remains deep concern that his departure could bring heightened tensions back to the fore.
Lebanon is also grappling with significant challenges, including political paralysis and a severe economic crisis that has profoundly impacted its citizens, contributing to widespread poverty. The nation continues to provide refuge for roughly one million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, further complicating the social landscape.
On the following day of his visit, Pope Leo is scheduled to visit the site of the tragic 2020 Beirut port explosion, culminating in a mass at the city’s historic waterfront, symbolizing both remembrance and hope for a better future.
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