Christians and Muslims pray for Pope
Beirut (AsiaNews) Lebanese Christians and Muslims are praying for the Pope, a friend of Lebanon.
The news of the Pontiff's deteriorating health have induced many to go to church, bringing tears to many more.
In the country's Catholic schools, the first hour of class was set aside for the celebration of a mass on behalf of the Pope who is beloved by Lebanese of every confession.
Many children are bringing flowers to Our Lady of Sarissa, known as the Pope's own Madonna in Tutus Tuus.
Lebanon's media swiftly responded to the news. Almost every outlet cancelled scheduled coverage and programmes to focus on the life of Karol Wojtyla and his historic 1997 visit to Lebanonthe first by a Pontiffand to publish interviews with political and religious leaders.
Beirut's Maronite Bishop, Mgr Paul Matar, told AsiaNews how important the Pope's thoughts and witness of faith are. In a letter he invites religious men and women as well all the faithful of his archdiocese to pray for the Pope. The archdiocese of Beirut, which the Pope blessed in 1997, is the biggest in the Middle East.
Abbot François Eid, superior general of the Maronite Mariamite Order, also spoke to AsiaNews about the "exceptional contribution this great Pope made to improving [the lives of the world's] peoples", a man who focused on pastoral work for people.
The abbot urged members of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary to raise "fervent prayers" to help stabilise the Pontiff's health.
Today Friday, Islam's day of prayer, Lebanese Muslims also prayed for the Pope. He is well-respected among them and was the first Pope to visit a mosque during his historic visit to Syria in 2001.
Mohamad el-Masri, who spoke to AsiaNews, said: "We don't want the Pope to die". Words of Muslim boy that encapsulate the hopes of all Lebanese, who are anxiously waiting for news from the Vatican. (YH)
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