VATICAN CITY, FEB. 17, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he is concerned about the situation of Lebanon, which still has no president to fill a months-long power void.
The Pope made an appeal for dialogue and reconciliation today after praying the midday Angelus with faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Holy Father said, "I am following with concern the persistent manifestations of tension in Lebanon. For almost three months the country has not been able to appoint a head of state."
According to the Pontiff, the "efforts to calm the crisis and the support offered by numerous high-profile members of the international community, even if they have not yet achieved anything, demonstrate the intention to identify a president who will be a president for all Lebanese and in this way create a basis for overcoming the existing divisions."
"Unfortunately," he added, "reasons for worry are not lacking, above all because of the strange verbal violence and because of those who put their trust in force of arms and in the physical elimination of adversaries."
The Pope said that together with the Maronite patriarch "and all the Lebanese bishops, I ask you to join with my supplication of Our Lady of Lebanon, that she encourage the citizens of that dear nation, and the politicians in particular, to work without ceasing for reconciliation, for a truly sincere dialogue, for peaceful co-existence and for the good of a homeland deeply felt as common."
Lebanon has been without a president since Nov. 24, when Emile Lahud stepped down.
