Pope Francis’s recent visit to Lebanon has sparked a mixture of hope and frustration among the nation’s diverse communities. Situated in the mountains north of Beirut, the Our Lady of Lebanon sanctuary is a serene location where a striking statue of the Virgin Mary gazes out over the Mediterranean Sea. The calm atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the backdrop of Lebanon’s ongoing economic hardships and security concerns.
Despite recently celebrating its 82nd independence from French colonial rule, Lebanon’s festivities were muted. The country, which has a substantial Christian population—approximately 30%, the highest in the Middle East—faces the repercussions of a fragile ceasefire with Israel that has been repeatedly violated. The lingering effects of a financial collapse in 2019 and a catastrophic port explosion that claimed 218 lives a year later continue to weigh heavily on the nation.
Father Fadi El Mir, who coordinated logistics for the papal visit, emphasized the church’s mission to address the needs of all Lebanon’s citizens, particularly as poverty rises every day. He expressed the expectation that Pope Francis would deliver messages of encouragement during his addresses to clergy and religious workers. The Pope’s recent engagements have highlighted the plight of young Lebanese who, feeling they have “escaped” an impossible situation, are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Concerns have also been raised about the church’s role in these challenging times. Father Fadi noted that many clergy members and the public are advocating for a more “merciful” church that better responds to the urgent needs of the community, especially within Catholic-operated hospitals and schools. He reflected on his own experiences of violence in southern Lebanon, pointing out that tensions between religious groups stem more from political divisions than from genuine discord among the populace.
As the Pope’s visit is confined primarily to Beirut and northern regions, many in the southern area, particularly Christians, feel a sense of exclusion. Father Fadi conveyed his sentiments, suggesting that the Pope’s presence in the Tyre region, which carries significant biblical history, would have been profoundly impactful. Unfortunately, security concerns have limited his visit.
The Tyre district, home to historically Christian communities, remains largely affected by the militaristic operations of the past. Much of the region’s infrastructure has been compromised, including homes damaged during conflicts with Israel. Mayor Chadi Sayah of Alma al-Chaab highlighted the ongoing struggles the townspeople face, reflecting on the need for more support from both the government and the church to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
Sayah underscored the community’s desire to stay rooted in their homeland, calling for stronger assistance from both state and religious institutions to foster hope and resilience amongst local Christians. Despite feeling overlooked during the Pope’s visit, the residents are not despondent. Instead, they are choosing to take action by replanting pine trees that were lost during the conflicts, symbolizing their commitment to revitalizing their community and preserving their heritage.
In this challenging yet hopeful landscape, Pope Francis’s visit serves to remind the world not only of Lebanon’s ongoing struggles but also of the enduring spirit and resilience of its people.