ASIA/LEBANON – Leo XIV to the Lebanese: Rebirth begins with small lights and small shoots

by Pascale Rizk

Beirut – Even today, in the nights of Lebanon, one can see “small lights that shine in the night, which open hearts to gratitude.” And allow us to recognize that the Kingdom that Jesus comes to inaugurate is like “a small branch sprouting from a trunk, a small sign of hope that promises rebirth when everything else seems to be dying.” Signs that “only the humble know how to recognize the hidden details and traces of God in a seemingly lost story.”
The words of new beginnings that Pope Leo XIV addressed to all Lebanese people on the last day of his trip to the Land of Cedars spring from the heart of Christian hope. In his homily at the Holy Mass celebrated at the Beirut Waterfront, the Bishop of Rome acknowledged all the suffering of the Lebanese people and called upon everyone to “recognize the smallness of the shoot that emerges and grows even in the midst of a painful period. Small lights that shine in the night, small shoots that sprout forth and small seeds planted in the arid garden in this era of history: we too can see them, even here and now.” He identified “your sincere and genuine faith, rooted in your families and nourished by Christian schools,” as the first light and first shoot of a new beginning.

Prayer at the Port and embracing people with disabilities

Shortly before the Holy Mass, attended by 120,000 people, Pope Leo paused in silent prayer at the memorial to the victims of the August 4, 2020, explosion at the Port of Beirut. He then remained there for a long time, greeting their families individually.

Pope Leo began the final day of his apostolic journey to Lebanon by visiting the “De la Croix” Psychiatric Hospital for the mentally disabled in Jal ed Dib. Upon the Pope’s arrival, patients, doctors, and nurses repeatedly shouted “ahla w sahla,” the Lebanese “welcome,” and “alla yehmik” .

The psychiatric hospital “does not select its patients, but takes in those whom no one else will.” This was emphasized by the Superior General, Sister Maria Maakhlouf, in her welcoming address, in which the nun thanked the Pope for his visit, which “confirms to the least among us that they are loved by the Lord, hold a special place in his heart,” and are a “treasure for the Church.”

“I would like to remind you of this,” Pope Leo told them, “that you are close to the heart of God, our Father. He holds you in the palm of his hand, he accompanies you with love; and he offers you his tenderness through the hands and smiles of those who care for you.”

The Convent of the Cross is the founding site of the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross, whose vocation is to welcome the most needy who suffer from all kinds of mental and psychological illnesses.

The Pope’s farewell: may the attacks and hostilities cease

In his farewell address at Beirut airport, Leo XIV, before boarding his flight to Rome, referred to “all the regions of Lebanon that he was unable to visit: Tripoli and the north, Tyre, Sidon – biblical places – all of these areas, especially in the south, which are currently experiencing a state of conflict and uncertainty. In embracing all of you, I express my aspiration for peace, along with a heartfelt appeal: may the attacks and hostilities cease. We must recognize that armed struggle brings no benefit. While weapons are lethal, negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive. Let us all choose peace as a way, and not just as a goal!”