by Gianluca Frinchillucci
Beirut – In a Lebanon marked by a debilitating economic crisis, institutional instability, and a climate of growing tension along the Blue Line, the recent visit of Pope Leo XIV was also an important signal for the soldiers of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Italian Major General Diodato Abagnara, mission leader and commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon , which is responsible for UN peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon, discusses the impact of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey.
Italy plays a leading role in the mission with a significant contingent and an approach based on close ties to local communities and coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces .
Speaking to journalists on the flight from Beirut to Rome, Pope Leo XIV also referred to Italy’s “ability to act as a mediator in a conflict between different parties.” According to General Abagnara, the Pope’s visit was a gesture of encouragement for Lebanese Christians and Italian soldiers, but also a call to everyone to rediscover the value of dialogue and coexistence as the key to lasting stability. In an interview with Fides, the general discusses the significance of the Pope’s visit, the role of UNIFIL, and the development of the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism, which was renewed after the declaration of a cessation of hostilities in November 2024.
What did the Pope’s visit to Lebanon represent?
“The Pope’s visit had a profound meaning, especially in relation to the context in which it took place. Lebanon has been experiencing a series of crises for years – economic, institutional, and social – compounded today by a highly charged climate of tension along its borders. In such a fragile situation, the Holy Father’s presence was a sign of attention and rapprochement. Many Lebanese, regardless of their religious affiliation, perceived a simple yet essential message: Lebanon has not been abandoned and remains at the center of the international community’s attention. The visit also brought the issue of coexistence in Lebanon back into focus, a complex balancing act between different communities. The Pope’s meetings with representatives of various religious denominations and civil society reiterated one clear point: stability arises from dialogue, not division. We know that a papal visit alone cannot solve the country’s problems. But in such a fragile context, even a brief easing of tensions helps to reduce risks and rebuild trust by reminding us that there is still room for cooperation.
What did this visit mean for the Italian soldiers?
“For the Italian soldiers, the Holy Father’s visit held special personal and professional significance. Working in southern Lebanon means operating in an environment where balance, prudence, and continuity are essential. Much of our work—patrols, surveillance, coordination with the LAF, and support for local communities—goes unseen. Against this backdrop, the recognition of our role as peacemakers was a direct sign of appreciation.
The Pope’s presence was perceived as recognition of the Italian model: a credible, respectful presence based on closeness to the people and professionalism. In an operational environment characterized by risks and unpredictable scenarios, an external gesture of attention also becomes an element of internal cohesion. Many soldiers understood the visit as an encouragement to continue with the same dedication, knowing that their service is seen and appreciated by both local communities and international actors.”
In summary, the visit reaffirmed the purpose of our work: to ensure stability, prevent escalation, and build trust. The Pope recalled an important principle: peace is not merely the absence of war, but also encounter, dignity, and listening. These very values guide our daily actions.
What do UNIFIL and the Italian contribution mean for Lebanon today?
“UNIFIL is a pillar of stability that Lebanon cannot do without. In an environment where the security situation can change rapidly, Mission acts as a bulwark against escalation and a constant channel for dialogue between the parties. The daily work of the peacekeeping forces—monitoring, prevention, and conflict management—is discreet, but crucial for maintaining stability.
along the Blue Line. Within this balance, the Italian contribution plays a particularly important role. Italy is perceived as a solid, reliable, and respectful presence: a model for peacekeeping that combines professionalism with the ability to build authentic relationships with local communities. In southern Lebanon, we often hear: “The Italians make us feel like we’re not alone.” This is a testament that extends beyond the operational level. Added to this is a strategic element: cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces. Every joint activity contributes to strengthening their capabilities and, consequently, the overall stability of the country. The most effective security is that which is built together, step by step, through trust and cooperation.
What impact could the increasing role of the United States in the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism have?
In recent days, the United States’ commitment to supporting the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism has become more apparent, with the aim of continuing the path taken after the declaration of cessation of hostilities on November 27, 2024. From an operational perspective, however, there were no changes for either UNIFIL or the Italian contingent: their mandates remain unchanged. The inclusion of civilian figures in the delegations and the increased attention from the United States indicate an attempt to make these meetings more suitable for addressing complex political issues. Currently, this development pertains more to the strategic framework than to day-to-day activities on the ground. It is worth recalling that the Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism is the evolution of the Tripartite Meeting, where for years the Lebanese Armed Forces , the Israel Defense Forces , and UNIFIL convened to discuss technical issues along the Blue Line. After 2024, the need for a more comprehensive instrument, one that could also incorporate political aspects, became clear. Today, the LAF, the IDF, UNIFIL, the United States, France, and—since December 3, 2025—for the first time, a civilian representative of the Lebanese government, former Ambassador Simon Karam, participate. It is a broader forum with more voices and a greater capacity to connect the operational and diplomatic levels. This differs significantly from the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon , an Italian mission with entirely different objectives: training the Lebanese armed forces and supporting local institutions. For southern Lebanon, the scenarios will depend on the extent to which the parties succeed in maintaining this negotiation channel on a constructive basis. Experience shows that when the parties talk to each other—including through technical channels—tensions can be managed more effectively and incidents contained more quickly. In summary, our work on the ground remains unchanged, but a more structured, inclusive mechanism supported by influential stakeholders can contribute to greater predictability and a more stable climate in southern Lebanon.
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