Fabrizio Peloni, Artur Hanula
A group of about 30 young Lebanese people participated in the meeting with the Pope today. “When the Holy Father came to Lebanon, he asked us to be builders of peace, so that – thanks to our rich history of faith – we would become promoters of dialogue and reconciliation, and an example of harmony for and among all communities,” Fr. Barakat pointed out in an interview with Vatican Radio – Vatican News. He added that during today’s audience, the Pope reiterated to all of them the invitation to continually cultivate an authentic awareness of peace within themselves.
Thanksgiving to organizations providing aid to Lebanon
“These young people wanted to respond to the Pope’s call and today they feel like ‘artisans of peace’. They have realized the power of forgiveness, which almost always provokes a reaction – often astonishment – and at the same time frequently becomes a path to establishing relationships,” the priest emphasized.
Fr. Barakat drew attention to “Caritas and other Catholic organizations which in southern Lebanon, beyond the so-called ‘yellow line’, also thanks to the commitment of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, continuously deliver food aid to small, now isolated Christian towns such as Debel, Ain Ebel, and Rmech.”
Papal appeals for peace
One of the most important events of Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Lebanon, which took place from November 30 to December 2, 2025, was the Holy Mass at the Beirut waterfront, which gathered approximately 150,000 people.
At the conclusion, the Pope directed a poignant appeal for peace to the entire international community. “Dear Christians of the Middle East, when the results of your efforts for peace are delayed, I encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord who is coming! Let us look to Him with hope and courage, encouraging everyone to walk the path of coexistence, fraternity, and peace. Be builders of peace, heralds of peace, witnesses of peace!” – the Pope cried out.
Leo XIV also directed a “heartfelt appeal” to those who “wield political and social power, here and in all countries affected by war and violence.” “Listen to the cry of your peoples who are demanding peace! Let us all place ourselves at the service of life, the common good, and the integral development of human beings,” the Pope exclaimed.
On many other occasions, such as during the Sunday Angelus prayers, the Pope reiterates his appeal for action for peace, inter alia in Lebanon and many other places around the world.
