Pope’s full address after the summit with Lebanon’s Christian leaders

“Dear brothers and sisters:

We have come together today to pray and reflect, moved by concern for Lebanon, great concern to see this country – which I carry in my heart and which I have the desire to visit – plunged into a serious crisis. I thank all the participants for having willingly accepted the invitation and for the fraternal exchange. We Pastors, sustained by the prayer of the Holy People of God, in this difficult moment, have tried to orient ourselves together in the light of God. And in its light we have seen, above all, our own shortcomings: the mistakes we have made when we have failed to give credible and coherent witness to the Gospel; the opportunities that we have lost on the path of brotherhood, reconciliation and full unity. For this we ask forgiveness and with a contrite heart we say: “Lord, have mercy!” (Mt 15:22).

This was the cry of a woman who, precisely in the vicinity of Tire and Sidon, met Jesus and, in anguish, insistently implored him: “Lord, help me!” (v. 25). Today this cry has become that of an entire people, the Lebanese, disappointed and exhausted, in need of certainty, hope and peace. With our prayers we wanted to accompany this cry. Let us not give up, let us not tire of imploring Heaven for that peace that men have difficulty building on earth. Let us insistently ask for it for the Middle East and for Lebanon. This beloved country, a treasure of civilization and spirituality, which throughout the centuries has radiated wisdom and culture, which is witness to a unique experience of peaceful coexistence, cannot be left at the mercy of fate or those who unscrupulously pursue their own interests. .

A phrase that the Lord pronounces in Scripture resounded among us today, almost in response to the cry of our prayer. They are few words with which God declares that he has “plans for peace and not for misfortune” (Jr 29:11). Plans for peace and not for misfortune. In these times of disgrace, we want to affirm with all our might that Lebanon is, and must continue to be, a peace plan. 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 individual advantages. For this reason, it is essential – I would like to reiterate – “that whoever has power becomes determined and without further delay at the true service of peace and not that of their own interests.

Enough of the benefit of a few at the expense of the skin of many! Enough with the prevalence of partial truths at the expense of people’s hopes! ” (Words at the end of the Conference, Bari, July 7, 2018). Enough of using Lebanon and the Middle East for other people’s interests and benefits! It is necessary to give the Lebanese the opportunity to be protagonists of a better future, on their land and without undue interference.

Plans for peace and not for misfortune. You, dear Lebanese, have distinguished yourself throughout the centuries, even in the most difficult moments, for your entrepreneurial spirit and your industriousness. Your tall cedars, symbol of the country, evoke the flourishing richness of a unique history. And they also remember that large branches are only born from deep roots. May you be inspired by the examples of those who have known how to build shared foundations, seeing in diversity not obstacles but possibilities. Root yourself in the dreams of peace of your elders. Never before, as in these months, have we understood that we cannot save ourselves alone and that the problems of some cannot be alien to others. Therefore, we call on all of you. To you citizens: do not be demoralized, do not lose heart, find in the roots of your history the hope of flourishing again. To you, political leaders: so 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 people in the diaspora: so that you can 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 collapse, but rather embarks on a path of recovery. This will be good for all. 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 people in the diaspora: so that you can 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 collapse, but rather embarks on a path of recovery. This will be good for all. 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 people in the diaspora: so that you can 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 collapse, but rather embarks on a path of recovery. This will be good for all. Rather, set out on a path of recovery. This will be good for all. Rather, set out on a path of recovery. This will be good for all.

Plans for peace and not for misfortune. As Christians, today we want to renew our commitment to build a future together, because the future will be peaceful only if it will be common. Relationships between men cannot be based on the pursuit of particular interests, privileges, and gains. No, the Christian vision of society comes from the Beatitudes, it springs from meekness and mercy, it leads the world to imitate the actions of God, who is Father and wants harmony among his children. Christians are called to be sowers of peace and craftsmen of fraternity, not to live on past resentments and remorse, not to flee from the responsibilities of the present, to cultivate a hopeful look towards the future. We believe that God shows us only one direction for our journey: that of peace. 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 demand winners or losers, but brothers and sisters who, despite misunderstandings and past hurts, are heading from conflict to unity” (Speech, Interreligious Encounter, Plain of Ur, March 6, 2021). In this sense, I hope that this day will be followed by concrete initiatives in the name of dialogue, educational commitment and solidarity. they move from conflict to unity ”(Speech, Interreligious Encounter, Plain of Ur, March 6, 2021). In this sense, I hope that this day will be followed by concrete initiatives in the name of dialogue, educational commitment and solidarity. they move from conflict to unity ”(Speech, Interreligious Encounter, Plain of Ur, March 6, 2021). In this sense, I hope that this day will be followed by concrete initiatives in the name of dialogue, educational commitment and solidarity.

Plans for peace and not for misfortune. Today we have made our own the hopeful words of the poet Gibran: Beyond the black curtain of night there is a dawn waiting for us. Some young people have just handed us lighted lamps. It is precisely they, the young, the lamps that burn in this dark hour. Hope for the future shines on their faces. You have to listen to them and attend to them, because the rebirth of the country depends on them. And all of us, before making important decisions, let us look at the hopes and dreams of young people. And let’s look at the children: may their radiant eyes, although covered with too many tears, shake consciences and guide decisions. Other lights shine on the Lebanese horizon: they are the women. The Mother of All comes to mind that, from the hill of Harissa, he embraces with his gaze those who come to the country from the Mediterranean. His open hands are directed towards the sea and towards the capital, Beirut, to welcome the hopes of all. Women are generators of life and hope for all; May they be respected, valued and involved in Lebanon’s decision-making processes.

Paraphrasing the poet again, we recognize that to get to dawn there is no other way than night. And in the night of the crisis we have to stand together. Together, through honest dialogue and sincere intentions, we can bring light to dark areas. We entrust all effort and commitment to Christ, Prince of Peace, so that, as we have prayed, “when the rays not eclipsed of his mercy rise, darkness fled, twilight disappeared, darkness fled, twilight ended, darkness disappeared. darkness and the night is gone ”(cf. St. Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentations, 41). May the night of conflict fade and a dawn of hope arise. Let the rancor cease, the discords disappear and Lebanon once again radiate the light of peace. “

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