Pope Leo’s Final Day and ‘Cry for Peace’ in the Middle East
Pope Leo, during a speech on the final day of his visit to Lebanon, called on people to change the course of violence and open a new chapter of reconciliation.
Pope Leo, in the final hours of his three-day visit to Beirut, Lebanon, witnessed on Tuesday, December 2, 2024 (November 11 in the Persian calendar), a massive gathering of 150,000 Christians; an assembly in which the leader of the Catholic Church once again raised his voice for “ending the cycle of violence and revenge” in the Middle East.
Pope Leo, at this fervent gathering, addressing the people and leaders of the region, said: “The Middle East today stands at a point that requires a new perspective, one in which violence is denied and dealing with revenge comes to an end.” He called on the Christians of the region to exercise courage in achieving peace and reconciliation, and to step forward with hope on the path of reconciliation.
The leader of the world’s Catholics, noting that he came to Lebanon with spiritual intentions and messages of hope, emphasized: “I wanted to come to the Middle East as a pilgrim of hope and to ask God for the gift of peace for this beloved land that faces instability, war, and suffering.”
In his remarks, he explained that resolving regional crises would not be possible without bridging political, religious, and social divides. Pope Leo added: “The Middle East needs new approaches to reject the mentality of revenge and violence, overcome the divides, and open new chapters called reconciliation and peace.”
The Pope, who had repeatedly spoken of “beloved Lebanon” throughout his visit, this time also emphasized: “I pray especially for beloved Lebanon.” He called on the international community not to fall short in supporting dialogue and reconciliation processes in this country and across the region.
The leader of Catholics, addressing the officials and decision-makers of the region, whether in Lebanon or in lands still engaged in war, said: “Listen to the cry of your people who seek peace.” Referring to years of suffering and upheaval caused by war, he added: “The path of mutual hostility, destruction, and war has been prolonged far too long, and its regrettable results are before everyone’s eyes. We must change course. We must educate our hearts for peace.”
Although these remarks were part of the official program of the Pope’s visit to Lebanon, his decisive and explicit tone showed that the Vatican is deeply concerned about the deepening crises in the Middle East. Church analysts say that Pope Leo’s message was not only addressed to Christians, but was a moral and spiritual warning to all regional actors; a warning that reminds us that no future can be built on the foundation of violence.
