Pope Leo arrives at Martyrs’ Square in Beirut for interreligious meeting

Pope Leo XIV visited Martyrs’ Square in Beirut on Monday, the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Lebanon, where he met with Christian and interreligious leaders to promote dialogue and unity among different faiths.

In his address, Pope Leo described Lebanon as a “blessed land,” invoking the image of the towering cedars mentioned in the Old Testament, which he said symbolized the righteous soul flourishing under heaven’s vigilant gaze. “These trees, like the people of Lebanon, stand tall and strong, a testimony to the enduring faith of its people,” the Pope remarked.

He recalled Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, which was signed in Beirut in 2012 and called for dialogue between different religious groups. The Pope praised Lebanon for its unique position as a country where minarets and church bells coexist, symbolizing the shared faith in the one God.

“Here in this beloved land, may every bell toll, every adhān, every call to prayer blend into a single, soaring hymn,” Pope Leo said, “not only to glorify the merciful Creator of heaven and earth but also to lift a heartfelt prayer for the divine gift of peace.”

Pope Leo emphasized that despite the Middle East’s history of conflict, Lebanon offers a powerful example of peace, reminding the world that mistrust and prejudice do not have the final word. “In the midst of these struggles,” he said, “a sense of hopefulness and encouragement can be found when we focus on what unites us: our common humanity and our belief in a God of love and mercy.”

Lebanon’s diverse communities, including Christians, Muslims, Druze, and others, continue to work towards a united country based on respect and dialogue, the Pope noted. He also highlighted the Second Vatican Council’s call for Catholics to show respect for people of all faiths, emphasizing that interreligious dialogue, rooted in divine love, should embrace people of goodwill and reject prejudice, discrimination, and persecution.

Pope Leo spoke of Lebanon’s many olive trees, calling them “a tireless symbol of reconciliation and peace.” He noted their ability to flourish even in harsh environments, symbolizing endurance and hope, qualities that are essential to nurturing peaceful coexistence. “From this tree flows oil that heals—a balm for physical and spiritual wounds—manifesting the boundless compassion of God for all who suffer,” he said.

In conclusion, the Pope praised the faith and presence of the Lebanese diaspora across the world, calling it a vocation to build peace, confront intolerance, and overcome violence. “May the loving and maternal embrace of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus and Queen of Peace, guide each of you,” he prayed, “so that in your homeland, across the Middle East, and throughout the world, the gift of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence may flow forth ‘like the streams flowing from Lebanon,’ bringing hope and unity to all.”

Pope Leo’s visit to Lebanon marks an important moment in his papacy, highlighting his commitment to fostering peace, unity, and interfaith dialogue in one of the most diverse and historically significant regions of the world.

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