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Pope Leone XIV Ends Lebanon Visit With Plea to Halt Attacks and Pursue Dialogue

He emphasized quiet Vatican diplomacy, urging negotiation over force.

Overview

  • At Beirut’s port, he prayed in silence, laid a wreath for the 2020 blast victims, and met families seeking truth and justice.
  • Authorities said 100,000 to 150,000 people attended his waterfront Mass, where he called on Lebanon to be a house of justice and fraternity.
  • In his farewell at the airport, he urged a stop to attacks and hostilities, warning that arms kill while mediation and dialogue build peace.
  • He confirmed receiving a message from Hezbollah and said he held private meetings with various actors, stressing the Holy See’s behind‑the‑scenes efforts to bring parties to the table.
  • Speaking to reporters on the flight to Rome, he suggested Italy could play a mediating role in Ukraine talks, with the Vatican encouraging such efforts.