Pope Leo voiced yet another plea for the end of the war in the Middle East, warning that "violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace for which the peoples are waiting."
He drew particular attention to the plight of Lebanon, which has the highest Christian presence in the Holy Land.
The number of those killed in Lebanon since February 28 is getting closer to 1,000 including 12 health care workers who were killed in a strike on a medical center Friday night. As many as 1 million people are displaced, and with nowhere to go, are living in tents or makeshift shelters on streets.
On March 9, Father Pierre Al-Rahi, parish priest of Qlayaa in southern Lebanon, was killed.
Here is what Pope Leo said after praying the midday Angelus:
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For two weeks now, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the horrific violence of war. Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
The situation in Lebanon is a cause for great concern. I hope that avenues for dialogue will emerge to support the country’s Authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.
On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire! May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace for which the peoples are waiting.
