Pope Leo urges Middle East peace, cites Lebanon as model of coexistence

Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of hope and reconciliation during a significant interfaith meeting in Beirut on Monday, insisting that peace and unity remain attainable goals for the troubled Middle East. Addressing an assembly of over 300 Christian and Muslim religious leaders, the pontiff argued that Lebanon's diverse society serves as a living testament to the possibility of coexistence. His visit to Lebanon followed a three-day apostolic journey to Türkiye, underscoring the Vatican's diplomatic engagement with key nations in the region.

Call to Action for Religious Leaders

Speaking at the event in central Beirut, Pope Leo framed religious figures as essential agents for stability. "You are called to be builders of peace: to confront intolerance, overcome violence, and banish exclusion, illuminating the path toward justice," he stated. He directly addressed the region's pervasive conflicts, suggesting that "fear, distrust and prejudice do not have the final word." The gathering featured symbolic acts of unity, including musical performances by Christian and Islamic choirs and readings from both the Gospel and the Qur'an.

Lebanese Leaders Echo Calls for Support

The event featured prominent Lebanese figures who echoed the Pope's themes while highlighting the country's acute political and economic crises. Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan offered an official welcome, while Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian described the nation as a "guardian of peace and security worldwide." Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, deputy head of the Higher Islamic Shia Council, made a poignant appeal, stating, "We are not fond of carrying arms," and placing Lebanon's cause in the Pope's hands in hope of international salvation.

Regional Significance and Türkiye's Role

Pope Leo's trip, which originated in Türkiye, highlights the interconnected nature of regional diplomacy and the Vatican's strategy of engaging with both Muslim-majority and historically Christian nations. Türkiye, with its unique status as a secular state bridging Europe and the Middle East, often serves as a crucial interlocutor in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The Pope's itinerary reflects the importance of fostering understanding across religious divides, a priority shared by Türkiye in its own foreign policy and a necessity for lasting regional stability.