Pope calls for help for Lebanon which ‘risks losing its identity’
“A year ago,” said the Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, “I stood before this altar, and a large number of our country’s leaders were also present in the church. I relayed to them the cry of the Lebanese, oppressed to the point of despair, waiting in long queues at the gates of the hoarders of their basic needs. [. . .] They heard it and left. Nothing has changed.”
Beirut (AsiaNews) – In his address on Monday to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, in the Benediction Hall, Pope Francis also mentioned Lebanon, stressing the need to preserve the “very reality” of that country as well as its “stability”.
The pontiff, whose remarks were addressed mainly, but not exclusively, to the international community, urged them to commit to Lebanon’s “stability”, its “internal equilibrium”, its “pluralistic” character, its economic recovery and finally its internal reforms.
In a long but exciting global analysis, the paragraph the Holy Father dedicated to Lebanon reads: “I also express my hope for renewed political commitment, both national and international, to fostering the stability of Lebanon, which is experiencing an internal crisis and risks losing its identity and finding itself caught up even more in regional tensions. It is most necessary that the country maintain its unique identity, not least to ensure a pluralistic, tolerant and diversified Middle East in which the Christian community can make its proper contribution and not be reduced to a minority in need of protection.
“Christians, with their many educational, health and charitable works, are an intrinsic part of Lebanon’s historical and social fabric, and they must be guaranteed the possibility of continuing their efforts for the good of the country, of which they were founders. A weakening of the Christian presence risks destroying internal equilibrium and the very reality of Lebanon. In this regard, the presence of Syrian and Palestinian refugees must be also addressed.
“Moreover, without an urgently needed process of economic recovery and reconstruction, the country risks bankruptcy, with the possible effect of a dangerous drift towards fundamentalism. It is therefore necessary for all political and religious leaders to set aside their personal interests and to commit themselves to pursuing justice and implementing real reforms for the good of their fellow citizens, acting transparently and taking responsibility for their actions.”
This urgent appeal to the international community and the great powers coincides with the Maronite Patriarch's recent call for an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations” to “consolidate Lebanon in its modern constitutional foundations,” which “are based on the unity of the Lebanese entity and the principle of its neutrality.”
According to Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi, the conference should “provide permanent guarantees to protect the country from aggression against its sovereignty” and “end the presence of illegal weapons.”
This call should not go unanswered in a region that is adapting to new facts following the election of US President Joe Biden, the reorganisation of the Arab world after the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the prospect of de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran,
Alongside these developments, a homily on Tuesday, the feast day of Saint Maron, by the Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, Bishop Boulos (Paul) Abdelsater, caused a stir. In a diatribe inspired by the Beatitudes, the bishop, who traditionally celebrates the feast of Saint Maron in front of prominent leaders, but led Mass this year in an empty church, spoke about the hardships the people of Lebanon experienced over the past year, especially the poor and those who rely on daily earnings.
Slamming the state of neglect and the injustices endured by the population, the archbishop said: “A year ago, I stood before this altar, and a large number of our country’s leaders were also present in the church. I relayed to them the cry of the Lebanese, oppressed to the point of despair, waiting in long queues at the gates of the hoarders of their basic needs. [. . .] They heard it and left. Nothing has changed. Things have gotten worse, corruption has expanded, strategies of deception and concealment of the truth have developed, and lies, hypocrisy and irresponsibility have spread.
“Woe to you, O political leaders of my country, for you build your glory on the oppression and humiliation of those who have trusted you. Forget not that history will be ruthless and will mention your names among the names of tyrants, rogues and executioners!
“Woe to you, financial managers in Lebanon, because you amass wealth and build your homes with the money of fathers and mothers who struggle hard to secure the future of their children. Remember that God hears the moans of the oppressed and shrouds have no pockets. Your wealth and your homes will inevitably return to others, and the curses of the oppressed will pursue you in the grave!
“Woe to you who are responsible for administering justice and the law in my country, for you put your rulings in the service of your positions, titles and gains, and you oppress the rightful holder. In truth, I tell you: your seats will be taken from you. Forget not that you will certainly be confronted by the One who holds the judgment and who does not look at appearances!”
This sermon comes at a time when Lebanon has faced several serious crises – socio-economic, financial, political and health – for more than a year.
As a result of these crises, aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic and the double explosion in the port of Beirut, which killed 209 people, more than half of the Lebanese population now lives below the poverty line, in a country shaken by riots that turn violent, with rampant inflation, whose currency, the Lebanese pound, has lost more than 80 per cent of its purchasing power.
On top of that, since August it has burdened by a constitutional crisis that prevents the formation of a new government.
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