Pope's Plea for Peace: Lebanon's Future Hinges on Dialogue and Reconciliation

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Pope Leo XIV concluded his inaugural international trip with a poignant visit to Lebanon, urging world leaders to prioritize peace and dialogue in the war-torn nation. Before returning to Rome, the 70-year-old pontiff attended a massive 150,000-strong mass in Beirut, where he called for an end to hostilities and a new approach to resolving conflicts in the Middle East. The pope's six-day trip, which began in Turkey, was marked by a series of emotional encounters with Lebanese citizens, including survivors of the devastating 2020 port explosion that killed over 220 people. Speaking at the site of the disaster, Pope Leo expressed his solidarity with the families of the victims and reiterated his appeal for justice and truth. In a stark contrast to the prevailing atmosphere of violence and tension, the pope's visit was met with widespread jubilation, with many Lebanese citizens expressing hope for a brighter future. 'We need justice for our brothers and all the victims of this explosion,' said Cecile Roukoz, a lawyer whose brother died in the blast. Pope Leo's message of peace and reconciliation resonated with the crowd, with many calling it a 'sign of hope' for Lebanon. The pontiff's words were particularly significant given the current tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have led to a surge in attacks and hostilities in recent weeks. In his address, the pope emphasized the need for new approaches to resolving conflicts in the Middle East, including the rejection of 'the mindset of revenge and violence' and the promotion of 'reconciliation and peace'. His message was clear: 'While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive. Let us all choose peace as a way, not just as a goal!' As Pope Leo prepares for his next international trip, which is expected to take him to Africa, his visit to Lebanon serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting peace and understanding in a world marked by conflict and division.