Vatican Spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardo said that in spite of enflamed tensions in the region, Benedict XVI’s “historic visit” to Lebanon “had a very positive outcome.” All meetings went as planned and Benedict XVI expressed his gratefulness, surprise and joy at the warmth of the welcome given to him.
Throughout his many meetings with heads of state, the Marronite Catholic Patriarch, the country's Catholic youth and clergy, the Pope “has brought words of encouragement that will hopefully be understood by all,” even the “stronger, more intense expressions he used in reference to Lebanon and the entire Middle Eastern region,” Fr. Lombardi said.
Some of the more intense messages delivered during the trip came after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and his wife at the Baabda Presidential palace when he said: “Authentic faith does not lead to death... verbal and physical violence must be rejected. Religious freedom has a social and political dimension which is indispensable for peace . . . . Thoughts of peace, words of peace and acts of peace create an atmosphere of respect. If we want peace, let us defend life!”
While meeting with Lebanese youth on Saturday, he delivered an equally strong message.
"The frustrations of the present moment must not lead you to take refuge in parallel worlds like those, for example, of the various narcotics or the bleak world of pornography. As for social networks, they are interesting but they can quite easily lead to addiction and confusion between the real and the virtual. Look for relationships of genuine, uplifting friendship. Find ways to give meaning and depth to your lives; fight superficiality and mindless consumption! ... Seek out good teachers, spiritual masters, who will be able to guide you along the path to maturity, leaving behind all that is illusory, garish and deceptive."
During the huge final Mass of the visit, which took place on Sunday morning at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut, thousands heard him assign to all Christians the task of bringing peace into the world.
“In a world where violence constantly leaves behind its grim trail of death and destruction, to serve justice and peace is urgently necessary,” he said, and prayed that God would give servants of peace and reconciliation to the Middle East, “so that all people can live in peace and with dignity . . . . This is an essential testimony which Christians must render here, in cooperation with all people of good will. I appeal to all of you to be peacemakers, wherever you find yourselves.”
Just before leaving, he called upon "Mary, Our Lady of Lebanon, around whom both Christians and Muslims gather," to intercede "for the people of Syria and the neighbouring countries, imploring the gift of peace".
"You know all too well the tragedy of the conflicts and the violence which generates so much suffering," he said. "Sadly, the din of weapons continues to make itself heard, along with the cry of the widow and the orphan. Violence and hatred invade people’s lives, and the first victims are women and children. Why so much horror? Why so many dead? I appeal to the international community! I appeal to the Arab countries that, as brothers, they might propose workable solutions respecting the dignity, the rights and the religion of every human person! Those who wish to build peace must cease to see in the other an evil to be eliminated. It is not easy to see in the other a person to be respected and loved, and yet this is necessary if peace is to be built, if fraternity is desired."
He then asked God to grant the entire Middle East "the gift of peaceful hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence."
Fr. Lombardi recalled how many thought the Apostolic Visit would not go ahead for security reasons, but, as the Pope said on the flight to Beirut on Friday, he never once considered calling the trip off.
The “service” offered by the Pope during this visit was intense and will hopefully bear fruits of peace, he said, then added: "Of course, not everything depends on the Pope; it is now up to each individual, first of all us, to do their part.”
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