Pope Leo XIV’s Unseen Blessing: A Call for Peace in Southern Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV surprised 13 priests from southern Lebanon by joining a video call from Rome, expressing his prayers and hopes for peace along the tense frontier with Israel. These priests, part of Lebanon's Catholic and Maronite communities, were initially invited to an online meeting with Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Vatican's ambassador to Lebanon.

While the region has mostly been spared from intense bombardment, tensions persist despite a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Pope Leo's message was a comfort, urging the priests to stay in their homes and pray for peace. Father Najib al-Amil described the pope's words as reassuring to those living in constant worry.

Adding to the region's stress, the Israeli military demolished a Catholic convent in Yaroun, claimed to be unintentional while targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The action has fueled fear and condemnation among Christians in Lebanon, who are concerned about their safety and heritage amid ongoing military actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)