Pope Leo XIV comforts Lebanese priests via video call
BEIRUT, May 6: Pope Leo XIV held a surprise video call from Rome with 13 priests from southern Lebanon, offering prayers and encouragement amid ongoing tension along the border with Israel.
The call took place during a scheduled online meeting with the Vatican’s ambassador to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, who unexpectedly informed the priests that the Pope was joining the session.
The priests, serving villages such as Rmeich, Ain Ebel, Debel, and Marjayoun, expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the Pope’s brief message brought reassurance in a region marked by uncertainty. During the call, which lasted about a minute, Pope Leo XIV reportedly spoke in French, telling the clergy they were in his prayers and urging them to remain in their hometowns while hoping for peace along the tense frontier.
Father Najib al-Amil of Rmeich said the Pope’s words were especially comforting given the persistent insecurity in southern Lebanon. He quoted the Pope as saying, “Pray with me so that peace prevails. God willing, peace is near.”
The region has remained volatile despite a ceasefire that came into effect on April 17, with continued clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. While Christian villages along the border have largely avoided heavy bombardment compared to other parts of southern Lebanon, fear and instability persist.
Recent events have further heightened tensions. The Israeli military demolished a Catholic convent in the border village of Yaroun, claiming it was linked to Hezbollah activity, though local officials and church representatives disputed this, saying a religious site had been destroyed.
The incident followed earlier controversy over images of an Israeli soldier damaging a Christian statue in another village.
Christians make up roughly one-third of Lebanon’s population, and the country’s Maronite community holds a significant political role, including the presidency under Lebanon’s power-sharing system.
Pope Leo XIV has previously shown personal concern for Lebanon, including visiting the country earlier and maintaining symbolic gestures of solidarity, such as carrying a photo of a Lebanese child killed in the conflict.
The Vatican has not released detailed comments on the call, describing such interactions as private pastoral acts. However, the outreach reflects ongoing concern within the Church about the impact of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on Lebanon’s civilian and religious communities. (AP)
