Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Lebanon during Palm Sunday celebrations. Speaking briefly from St. Peter’s Square as he recovers from pneumonia, the Pope issued a powerful appeal for peace across several regions of the world, with a special mention of Lebanon.
“Let us also remember Lebanon, where the civil war broke out 50 years ago, so that, with God’s help, it may live in peace and prosperity,” he said while seated in a wheelchair, visibly in better health as he greeted the crowd and exchanged words with several of the faithful.
His remarks come as Lebanon marks the 50th anniversary of the start of the civil war in April 1975, a conflict that left deep scars and continues to shape the country's political, social and economic landscape.
The Pope also spoke about other ongoing conflicts—in Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza and Israel. He urged warring parties to “cease violence and return to the path of dialogue,” and called on the international community to “deliver essential aid to suffering populations.”
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