VATICAN CITY, JUNE 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he is grateful and relieved that the situation in Lebanon has returned to the path of dialogue.
The Pope affirmed this today when he received in audience participants from the Vatican agency that coordinates funding to Eastern Catholic Churches. The agency, known by its Italian acronym ROACO, is under the Congregation for Eastern Churches.
"With gratitude and relief we have followed recent developments in Lebanon, which has returned to the path of dialogue and mutual understanding," he acknowledged.
After multiple failed attempts to fill a months-long power vacuum, the Lebanese Parliament on May 25 elected Michel Suleiman as president.
"I express again the desire that Lebanon be able to respond with courage to its vocation to be for the Middle East and the whole world a sign of the effective possibility of peaceful and constructive coexistence among men," the Holy Father said.
Benedict XVI reminded the participants that next Sunday, Father Jacques Haddad (1875-1954) will be beatified in Beirut.
"Touched by Jesus' cross, this Capuchin father cared for the sick and the poor, and called a great number of young women to serve them," explained the Pontiff. "May his testimony touch today the hearts of young Lebanese Christians so that, in turn, they may learn the sweetness of an evangelical life at the service of the poor and little ones, being faithful witnesses of the Catholic faith in the Arab world."
Modern exodus
The Pope also expressed his concern at the exodus of Christians from the Holy Land, Lebanon and Iraq, because of the continued instability and violence those countries are experiencing.
The Holy Father appealed "to leaders of nations to offer the Middle East, and in particular the Holy Land, Lebanon and Iraq, the much yearned for peace and social stability in respect of the fundamental rights of the person, including a true religious liberty," he said. "Peace is the only way to address as well the grave problem of refugees and to halt emigration, in particular, that of Christians, which profoundly wounds the Eastern Churches."
The Bishop of Rome entrusted his concerns and hopes to the intercession of Blessed Pope John XXIII, "sincere friend of the East and Pope of the encyclical 'Pacem in Terris.'"
Benedict XVI also invoked "the heavenly intercession of the Queen of Peace."
