Lebanon: a country on the brink of the abyss"Enough of the benefit of a few at the expense of the skin of many! Enough of the prevalence of partial truths at the expense of the hopes of the people! Enough of using Lebanon and the Middle East for the interests and benefits of others! It is necessary to give the Lebanese the opportunity to be protagonists of a better future, in their land and without undue interference".
Thus Pope Francis said at the conclusion of the ecumenical prayer for peace in the LebanonThe Holy Father, together with Christian leaders in St. Peter's Basilica. Shortly before, the Holy Father had defined the Mediterranean country: "In these times of misfortune we want to affirm with all our strength that Lebanon is, and must continue to be, a plan of peace. Its vocation is to be a land of tolerance and pluralism, an oasis of fraternity where different religions and confessions meet, where diverse communities coexist, putting the common good before particular advantages".
The Papal Address
The guiding thread of his address was a few words of Scripture: "A phrase that the Lord pronounces in Scripture resounded among us today, almost as an answer to the cry of our prayer. It is a few words with which God declares that he has "plans for peace and not for misfortune" (Jer 29:11). Plans of peace and not of misfortune. You, dear Lebanese, have distinguished yourselves throughout the centuries, even in the most difficult times, by your enterprising spirit and your industriousness.
Your tall cedars, symbol of the country, evoke the flourishing richness of a unique history. And they also remind us that great branches only grow from deep roots. May you be inspired by the examples of those who have built shared foundations, seeing in diversity not obstacles but possibilities. Take root in the dreams of peace of your elders," he added. "That is why it is essential that those in power put themselves decisively and without further delay at the true service of peace and not at the service of their own interests."
"A call to all"
Later, the Pope made a solemn appeal to Lebanese citizens, to political leaders, to the Lebanese in the Diaspora, to the international community, and addressed each group in particular:
"To you, citizens: do not be demoralized, do not lose heart, find in the roots of your history the hope to flourish again."
"To you, political leaders: that, in accordance with your responsibilities, you may find urgent and stable solutions to the current economic, social and political crisis, remembering that there is no peace without justice."
"To you, dear Lebanese in the Diaspora: to put the best energies and resources at your disposal at the service of your homeland."
"To you, members of the international community: with your common effort, may the conditions be in place so that the country does not sink, but embarks on a path of recovery. This will be good for everyone.
"Building a future together"
The Roman Pontiff went on to appeal to the Christian vision that comes from the Beatitudes, and encouraged commitment. "Plans of peace and not of misfortune. As Christians, today we want to renew our commitment to build a future together, because the future will be peaceful only if it is common. Relations between people cannot be based on the pursuit of particular interests, privileges and profits. No, the Christian vision of society comes from the Beatitudes, it springs from meekness and mercy, it leads us to imitate in the world the actions of God, who is Father and wants harmony among his children".
"Christians," the Pope stressed, "are called to be sowers of peace and artisans of fraternity, not to live with past grudges and regrets, not to flee from the responsibilities of the present, to cultivate a look of hope for the future. We believe that God shows us only one direction for our journey: that of peace".
"From conflict to unity".
Francis recalled as the neuralgic point of his speech his recent apostolic visit to Iraq and the interreligious meeting he held in the land of Abraham: "Therefore, we assure our Muslim brothers and sisters and those of other religions of our openness and willingness to collaborate in building fraternity and promoting peace. This 'does not require winners and losers, but brothers and sisters who, despite the misunderstandings and wounds of the past, are moving from conflict to unity' (Speech, Interreligious Meeting, Plain of Ur, March 6, 2021)."
At the beginning, the Pope had asked forgiveness for "the mistakes we have made when we have failed to give credible and coherent witness to the Gospel; the opportunities we have missed on the path of fraternity, reconciliation and full unity. For this we ask forgiveness and with contrite hearts we say: "Lord, have mercy" (Mt 15:22). This was the cry of a woman who, precisely in the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, met Jesus and, in anguish, implored him insistently: "Lord, help me" (v. 25).
And he affirmed that today, this cry of that woman "has become the cry of a whole people, the Lebanese people, disappointed and exhausted, in need of certainty, hope and peace. With our prayer we wanted to accompany this cry. Let us not give up, let us not tire of imploring Heaven for the peace that men have difficulty in building on earth.
Peace for the Middle East
On the day, the Pope encouraged to ask for peace without tiring. "Let us ask for it with insistence for the Middle East and for Lebanon. This beloved country, a treasure of civilization and spirituality, which over the centuries has radiated wisdom and culture, which has witnessed a unique experience of peaceful coexistence, cannot be left at the mercy of fate or of those who unscrupulously pursue their own interests."
The day was intense. It began early in the morning in Santa Marta with a greeting from the Holy Father to the leaders of the Lebanese Christian Communities. Then, the first act was a joint prayer before the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, praying for peace in Lebanon. Now, after the meeting, Pope Francis hopes "that this day will be followed by concrete initiatives in the name of dialogue, educational commitment and solidarity".
The Pope expressed his "great concern to see this country - which I hold in my heart and which I wish to visit - plunged into a serious crisis", and thanked all the participants for having willingly accepted the invitation and for the fraternal exchange".
