“You have the power to change history’s trajectory,” Leo declared.

Concerns have recently intensified regarding the possibility of renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This follows a ceasefire agreement from November 2024, which aimed to resolve more than a year of tensions between the two parties.

“In an era when coexistence might seem like a far-fetched aspiration, the people of Lebanon serve as a potent reminder that fear, distrust, and prejudice are not the final arbiters. Unity, reconciliation, and peace can indeed be achieved,” he asserted.

Pope Leo engaged with young people at the Maronite Patriarchate situated in Bkerke, north of Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. Source: AFP / Giuseppe Cacace

Despite being long celebrated as a beacon of coexistence, Lebanon endured a brutal civil war from 1975 to 1990 that was marked by sectarian divisions, leaving the nation grappling with significant internal discord.

He emphasized that prayer “provides us with the resilience to maintain hope and continue our efforts, even amidst the clamor of conflict and when basic daily necessities turn into daunting challenges,” he conveyed to those present.

‘Message of peace’

Tony Elias, 43, a priest from the village of Rmeish along Lebanon’s border with Israel, said: “We have lived through nearly two and a half years of war, but have never been without hope.”

Leo “has come to confirm that what we have gone through has not been in vain, and we believe that he brings a real message of peace — a living peace”, he told AFP from Harissa.

In spite of the ceasefire, Israel has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, intensifying its attacks in recent weeks, and the cash-strapped Lebanese government has come under heavy United States pressure to disarm the Iran-backed militants.

Hezbollah maintains the ceasefire only requires it to remove weapons and fighters from the area south of Litani River.

It also claims it is the only party able to protect Lebanon from Israel and refuses to surrender its weapons.

Leo arrived from Türkiye on Sunday on his inaugural visit abroad as pontiff.

Lebanese authorities have declared Monday and Tuesday official holidays and have ramped up security measures, including road closures and a ban on drone photography.

“Everyone goes to Rome to see the pope, but he has come to us,” said Therese Daraouni, 61, calling the visit “the greatest blessing”.

Yasmine Chidiac, who was hoping to catch sight of Leo, said the trip “has brought a smile back to our faces”.

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