This year, Christmas will take on a different form all over the world, but above all in areas already injured by tragedies. One of the most violent events this year was the explosion in the port of Beirut on Aug. 4.
Months later, Lebanon continues to suffer the consequences.
The pope sent them this Christmas letter in which he says he is “deeply troubled to see the suffering and anguish that has sapped the native resilience and resourcefulness of the Land of the Cedars.” He also says he intends to visit as soon as possible.
Pope Francis has followed the situation closely. He's made gestures like this one, when he saw a priest showing him his country's flag during a General Audience.
In his letter, the pope alluded to some ideas from that same day, a month after the tragedy.
POPE FRANCIS
“I encourage all Lebanese people to continue to hope and find the strength necessary to restart. I ask politicians and religious leaders to commit, with sincerity and transparency, to the task of reconstruction, setting aside interests, and looking to the common good and the future of the nation. I renew also my invitation to the international community, to sustain the country and help it emerge from the serious crisis, without letting it be caught up in regional tensions.”
With the flag of Lebanon in his hands, Pope Francis recalled that the country is a unique model of coexistence and tolerance in the region, and that this reality must not be lost.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: CT
