Lynn Zovighian
“The Middle East needs new approaches … I ask the international community once again to spare no effort in promoting processes of dialogue and reconciliation.” This was Pope Leo XIV’s call to action during his homily at Mass in Beirut near the site of the Beirut port explosion. Lebanon welcomed Pope Leo on his first apostolic journey—a feat that some doubted would materialize amid Israel’s renewed military campaign in Lebanon and widespread skepticism about Lebanon’s ability to disarm Hezbollah.
A New Brand for Global Reckoning?
Under the banner “Blessed are the peacemakers!” the papal visit produced historic moments. Pope Leo greeted Lebanon’s youth from a golf cart rather than the bullet-proof popemobile. Diverse faith groups, including churches with fewer than 10,000 members in the country, united in a call for co-existence and peace. Lebanon’s global brand of insecurity and conflict gave way to something different: credibility, respect and leadership.
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