Today, the heads of the churches in Lebanon \u2014 Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant \u2014 gathered at the Vatican with Pope Francis for a day of prayer and reflection dedicated to Lebanon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The day began with the recitation of the Our Father in the St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, followed by a moment of quiet prayer at the tomb of the apostle, which lies beneath the famous baldacchino crowning the high altar. The prelates and pastors then joined the Holy Father in three sessions in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace to discuss the challenges devastating the nation of more than 5 million people, a third of whom are Christian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA phrase from the Scriptures resounded among us today, as if in response to our fervent prayer,\u201d said the pope in a concluding address. \u201cIn a few short words, the Lord declares that he has \u2018plans for peace and not for woe\u2019 (Jer 29:11).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlans for peace and not for woe. In these woeful times, we want to affirm with all our strength that Lebanon is, and must remain, a project of peace. Its vocation is to be a land of tolerance and pluralism, an oasis of fraternity where different religions and confessions meet, where different communities live together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 84-year-old pontiff addressed the Lebanese people, Lebanese politicians, the Lebanese diaspora and the international community, exhorting all to work for the common good of all: \u201cHere I would reiterate how essential it is that \u2018those in power choose finally and decisively to work for true peace and not for their own interests. Let there be an end to the few profiting from the sufferings of many! No more letting half-truths continue to frustrate people\u2019s aspirations!\u2019 \u201d (Address at the Conclusion of the Dialogue, Bari, 7 July 2018).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forcefully, the pope implored that outside actors must \u201cstop using Lebanon and the Middle East for outside interests and profits! The Lebanese people must be given the opportunity to be the architects of a better future in their land, without undue interference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs Christians,\u201d he continued, \u201ctoday we wish to renew our commitment to building a future together. For our future will be peaceful only if it is shared. Human relationships cannot be based on the pursuit of partisan interests, privileges and advantages. No, the Christian vision of society arises from the Beatitudes; it is born of meekness and mercy, and it inspires us to imitate in this world God\u2019s own way of acting, for he is a father who desires his children to live in peace. We Christians are called to be sowers of peace and builders of fraternity, not nursing past grudges and regrets, not shirking the responsibilities of the present, but looking instead with hope to the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n