Khaberni - Pope Leo XIV called upon the Lebanese people to have the "courage" to stay in their country upon his arrival in Beirut, which is drowning in its economic and political crises that have escalated the migration of youth, especially Christians, emphasizing the importance of "reconciliation" for a shared future.
The Pope arrived in Beirut on Sunday for a visit that lasts 48 hours, carrying a message of peace to the small country which has long been considered a model of religious diversity in the Middle East, but has been sinking for years in an unprecedented economic crisis and political divisions exacerbated by the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel.
In his first speech at the presidential palace, attended by Lebanese officials, diplomats, and civil society representatives, the Pope emphasized the importance of internal "peace" among the Lebanese, a word he reiterated 27 times in his speech without addressing the regional and international situations or the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel.
The Pope said "There are moments when fleeing is easier, or simply, going elsewhere is better. Staying or returning home requires courage and insight."
He continued "We know that instability, violence, poverty, and many other risks are here, as in other parts of the world, causing a drain of youth and families who are seeking a future elsewhere, with a deep sense of pain for leaving their homeland."
Since 2019, Lebanon has witnessed an unprecedented economic crisis, causing increased poverty rates and unemployment and deteriorating public services, followed by a devastating explosion in the Beirut port in the summer of 2020, which killed more than 220 people and injured thousands.
The Pope called on the Lebanese to follow the "difficult path of reconciliation," explaining that there are "personal and collective wounds that require many years and sometimes entire generations to heal."
He added "If not addressed, and if we do not work on healing the memory and on the reconciliation between those who have been abused and wronged, it is difficult to move towards peace, we will then be marking time."
