Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message to Lebanon’s religious and pastoral leaders during a gathering at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, urging clergy and consecrated persons to root their ministry in peacebuilding, solidarity, and concrete works of mercy.
According to Vatican News, the meeting took place on the second day of the Pope’s Apostolic Journey to Lebanon, where he addressed bishops, priests, religious, and pastoral workers, reflecting on the visit’s motto: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The Pope recalled the words of Saint John Paul II, noting that the Church in Lebanon carries the “responsibility of sustaining hope,” according to the Vatican News report.
The Pope pointed to four testimonies shared during the event—stories of coexistence, endurance, and service—as evidence that Lebanon’s Christians continue to embody this mission despite a climate of instability and hardship.
Drawing Strength From Lebanon’s Spiritual Roots
Pope Leo highlighted Lebanon’s rich spiritual heritage, pointing to the silent witness of Saint Charbel and the Marian devotion represented by the Harissa Shrine. Vatican News reports that he described prayer as “the invisible bridge which unites hearts” and emphasized that perseverance is born from remaining near Christ, even amid the “sound of weapons” and the pressures of daily life.
He also referenced the anchor symbol featured in the visit’s official logo. Citing the late Pope Francis, he reminded those present that faith acts as “an anchor in heaven” that offers direction and stability.
Coexistence and Charity in Action
The Pope reflected closely on the testimony of Father Youhanna, who ministers in the village of Debbabiyé. According to Vatican News, this community includes Christians, Muslims, Lebanese citizens, and refugees who continue to live side by side despite bombardments and deprivation.
One gesture stood out to the Pope: a Syrian coin placed among Lebanese coins in the parish alms box. This, he said, illustrated that each person has the capacity to give and receive—a reminder of the dignity and agency of every human being.
Recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2012, Pope Leo restated that the Christian response to crisis must favor “forgiveness over revenge, unity over division, and service over domination,” Vatican News reported. Yet he also acknowledged that many Lebanese today face significant injustice and exploitation. For this reason, he urged Church institutions to offer younger generations “concrete and viable prospects for growth.”
Migrants, Schools, and Prisons: Ministry on the Margins
Turning to the testimony of Loren, an immigrant working with displaced and vulnerable people, Pope Leo said her account revealed the human cost of conflict and displacement. As Vatican News relayed, he insisted that migrants arriving at Church doors should never feel rejected but welcomed.
He also commended the courage of Sister Dima, who chose to keep her school open during episodes of violence, transforming it into a place of learning and refuge. Education, the Pope said, must remain a priority—especially for those in difficult circumstances—because “our first school is the Cross, and our one Teacher is Christ,” according to Vatican News.
The story of Father Charbel’s prison ministry offered yet another reminder of the Church’s mission. Even in prisons—places marked by suffering and failure—the Pope said Catholics must recognize signs of mercy and the possibility of renewal.
Living Unity Through Daily Choices
Before offering a Golden Rose to the Shrine, Pope Leo described the symbol as a reminder that Christians are called to be the “fragrance of Christ” through simple, daily acts of charity and unity. Vatican News noted that the Pope stressed this “fragrance” is not reserved for the few but meant to be shared by all.
In closing, he encouraged the Church in Lebanon to persist in fostering peace through steadfast faith, inclusive community life, and practical solidarity. These, he emphasized, remain essential for rebuilding trust and hope in a country seeking healing and stability.
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