Pope Leo XIV Urges Reconciliation and Courage Amidst Lebanon's Crises

On Sunday, November 30, Pope Leo XIV called upon the Lebanese people to embrace reconciliation and stand firm in their divided country, which has been grappling with waves of emigration. Arriving from Turkey on his inaugural international trip, the American pope delivered a message of peace, urging local leaders to dedicate themselves fully to the welfare of their citizens. Lebanon finds itself entrenched in a protracted economic collapse, igniting fears among its population of a looming return to war, especially in the wake of a recent conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah. The pope candidly remarked about the challenges faced by the Lebanese, stating, "There are times when it is easier to flee or simply more convenient to move elsewhere. It takes real courage and foresight to stay or return to one’s own country." His address, delivered at Lebanon’s presidential palace, was well-received, resonating with officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives in attendance, and was met with applause. Throughout his speech, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of peace, using the term over 20 times. However, he refrained from detailing specific international or regional conflicts, including those involving Hezbollah and Israel. The pontiff acknowledged that across various parts of the globe, the specters of uncertainty, violence, and poverty are propelling young people and families to seek opportunities abroad, despite the emotional toll that leaving one’s homeland entails. In addition to addressing Lebanon's internal issues, the pope advocated for a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. He reaffirmed the Holy See's support for the two-state framework, which has been a consistent stance for several years. "We all know that Israel still does not accept it, but we consider it the only solution likely to resolve the current conflict," he stated. The pope noted that he had discussed this matter with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also supports the two-state proposal. Furthermore, since recognizing the State of Palestine in 2015, the Vatican has expressed solidarity with the beleaguered land of Gaza and condemned the forced displacement of its people. In his recent remarks, Pope Leo XIV highlighted that the Vatican maintains positive relations with Israel and has extended its mediation services for peace. The pope’s visit to Lebanon and his calls for reconciliation serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience that communities must foster in the face of adversity. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2