Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other prominent figures expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Vatican City after a period of declining health.
Aoun, who assumed the presidency in January after leading the Lebanese Armed Forces, mourned the pontiff as a “dear friend and strong supporter” of Lebanon. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Aoun said in a statement on the presidency’s X account, calling Francis’s passing “a loss for all humanity.”
Pope Francis, known for his outreach across faiths and his progressive leadership of the Catholic Church, often spotlighted Lebanon as a model of religious coexistence and pluralism. During his papacy, he called for international solidarity with Lebanon during its ongoing economic and political crises, and in 2021 designated a Global Day of Prayer for the country after the horrendous port blast that had taken hundreds of innocent lives.
Melhem Riachi, a member of Parliament and senior official in the Lebanese Forces Christian party, also reflected on the Pope’s legacy. “He was a great supporter of the Lebanese, of social peace and coexistence,” Riachi said. “He was an active person in the mission of this country. His Holiness confirmed that Lebanon is a message of peace and pluralism and a deep respect for human life.”
The Pope’s death comes at a time when Lebanon is still grappling with a prolonged financial collapse and deep political gridlock. Yet his voice remained a moral compass for many Lebanese, across religious divides, who viewed him as a global advocate for peace and dignity.
Funeral preparations are underway in Vatican City, where leaders from around the world are expected to gather to honor the life of Pope Francis.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other prominent figures expressed heartfelt condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 in Vatican City after a period of declining health.
Aoun, who assumed the presidency in January after leading the Lebanese Armed Forces, mourned the pontiff as a “dear friend and strong supporter” of Lebanon. “We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Aoun said in a statement on the presidency’s X account, calling Francis’s passing “a loss for all humanity.”
Pope Francis, known for his outreach across faiths and his progressive leadership of the Catholic Church, often spotlighted Lebanon as a model of religious coexistence and pluralism. During his papacy, he called for international solidarity with Lebanon during its ongoing economic and political crises, and in 2021 designated a Global Day of Prayer for the country after the horrendous port blast that had taken hundreds of innocent lives.
Melhem Riachi, a member of Parliament and senior official in the Lebanese Forces Christian party, also reflected on the Pope’s legacy. “He was a great supporter of the Lebanese, of social peace and coexistence,” Riachi said. “He was an active person in the mission of this country. His Holiness confirmed that Lebanon is a message of peace and pluralism and a deep respect for human life.”
The Pope’s death comes at a time when Lebanon is still grappling with a prolonged financial collapse and deep political gridlock. Yet his voice remained a moral compass for many Lebanese, across religious divides, who viewed him as a global advocate for peace and dignity.
Funeral preparations are underway in Vatican City, where leaders from around the world are expected to gather to honor the life of Pope Francis.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Israel launched a late-night air raid targeting a southern Beirut neighborhood, claiming it struck a building housing "precision-guided" missiles for Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s new central bank governor, Karim Souaid, has outlined plans to bolster financial oversight and restore economic stability, including restructuring public debt and addressing long-standing obligations to depositors.
The Israeli military said on Friday it had killed Hassan Farhat, a commander of Palestinian militant group Hamas, in the Sidon region of southern Lebanon.
The U.S. has pressured Lebanon to act against Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce a ceasefire. The LAF, caught between U.S. demands and Hezbollah’s influence, risks losing vital U.S. support if it fails to act.
A lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs could bring the trade war to a halt as early as this month, depending on a decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Countries will meet at the United Nations this week to discuss the regulation of AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern warfare. Experts warn that failing to regulate this new technology could lead to serious risks, and time is running out.
Violent Clashes in Tripoli: Head of Stability Support Forces Killed
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday evening to discuss ongoing efforts to establish peace between Russia and Ukraine, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 13th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
A lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs could bring the trade war to a halt as early as this month, depending on a decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
A lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs could bring the trade war to a halt as early as this month, depending on a decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Countries will meet at the United Nations this week to discuss the regulation of AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern warfare. Experts warn that failing to regulate this new technology could lead to serious risks, and time is running out.
Violent Clashes in Tripoli: Head of Stability Support Forces Killed
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