Pope Francis holding the flag of Lebanon in one hand, brought to the general audience by a young Maronite priest, on Sept. 2, 2020, at the Vatican. (Credit: Vatican website.)
BEIRUT — The memory of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning at the Vatican, was honored in Lebanon by political leaders and religious figures alike. They highlighted his solidarity with Lebanon, his deep humanism, and his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
President Joseph Aoun was the first to pay tribute, mourning the loss of “a dear friend” to Lebanon.
“In Lebanon, a land of diversity, we feel the loss of a dear friend and strong supporter,” Aoun wrote on X. “The Pope always carried Lebanon in his heart and prayers, and consistently called on the world to support it in difficult times.”
He recalled the Pope’s repeated appeals to protect Lebanon’s identity and diversity and praised him as “a powerful voice for justice and peace, a champion of the poor and marginalized, and a defender of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.”
Aoun extended condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and all those moved by the Pope’s message, committing to uphold his values of peace, love, and justice.
Pope Francis passed away Monday at the age of 88. On Easter Sunday, he had appeared visibly weak but still greeted the faithful in St. Peter’s Square from the popemobile. Though he never visited Lebanon, he consistently expressed support for the country during his papacy.
“His heart was with Palestine and Lebanon”
Parliament speaker Nabih Berri said:
“At a time when humanity so desperately needs words that unite, we lose a man who never spoke anything but the truth. Pope Francis leaves us while his heart and wounds were with Palestine, Lebanon, and all suffering peoples.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam remarked that with the Pope’s passing, “Lebanon loses a firm supporter, and the world loses a man of love and peace, known for his humility and closeness to the people.” He added, “The Pope always supported Lebanon, prayed for it, and wished to visit.”
Call to End the War in Gaza
Minister of Information Paul Morcos said the Pope was “a friend of Lebanon who loved its people and defended its mission of coexistence. He always raised his voice for Lebanon’s peace and stability.”
Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh added: “We are deeply saddened by Pope Francis’ passing. He lived a life of humility, placed social justice at the heart of the Church, engaged in profound dialogue with Muslims, and his final words were a call to end the war in Gaza.”
“A Man of Peace”
Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel praised the Pope as “a man of peace, justice, and humanity,” and recalled his constant prayers and stances in support of Lebanon.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea shared a photo of Pope Francis holding the Lebanese flag on X, expressing hope that the Pope's life "remains a flame of hope and resurrection for all generations around the world."
Former President Michel Sleiman emphasized the Pope’s commitment to peace and his solidarity with the poor, saying, “He loved Lebanon, prayed for it, and embraced its flag.”
A Protector and Friend of Lebanon
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri expressed sorrow at losing a Pope he knew personally, saying, “The world has lost a paternal figure who defended peace and the poor. Lebanon has lost a compassionate supporter.”
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati called the Pope “a protector and friend of Lebanon” who made tireless efforts to help solve its crises and highlighted the Pope’s dedication through personal meetings.
Wadih al-Khazen, head of the Maronite Central Council, offered condolences to the Vatican, praising Pope Francis as “a powerful voice for peace, justice, and love in our troubled world.”
Sheikh Akl Sami Abi al-Mona, spiritual leader of the Druze community, recalled “the many stances taken by the late Pope that reflected his love for Lebanon and its people,” and noted his efforts to “build bridges between peoples.”
Jaafarite Mufti Ahmad Kabalan highlighted that Pope Francis “called for close rapprochement between religions as the foundation for the voice of eternity and divine justice,” while condemning “injustice.”
Muslim Tribute to a Spiritual Leader
Shiite scholar Ali Fadlallah honored the Pope’s humanitarian spirit, his defense of the poor, and his stand against war and human rights violations—especially those by the Israeli enemy. He praised the Pope’s calls to end the war on Gaza and emphasized the importance of preserving Christian-Muslim dialogue, saying Lebanon is “the strongest example of such coexistence in the East, capable of sharing its message with the West and the world.”
