Audi hopes pope's visit will spark a 'national awakening' in Lebanon

In his Sunday homily at Saint George Cathedral, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Archbishop Elias Audi, called on the Lebanese people for a "national awakening" on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV's visit, expected Sunday afternoon at Beirut airport.

Recalling the expectations raised by the arrival of the pontiff, Archbishop Audi said it "must be an opportunity for a national awakening," inviting Lebanese, both Christians and Muslims, to "present to the Holy Father a united, dignified country, faithful to its message of coexistence" ... and to seize this historic moment to set the nation back on the path of responsibility, transparency and reconciliation."

The prelate also called for "complete loyalty to Lebanon, to its democracy, its freedom, and the unity of its people" in the face of division and institutional drift.

Amid ongoing political stalemate, Audi urged leaders to "preserve the state, its balance and respect for its laws," implicitly denouncing "the abuse of power, the appropriation of public funds and submission to political parties," all issues that he said are corrupting public life.

Finally, Audi encouraged believers to "bear witness to Christian hope in the public sphere," so that Lebanon may be "a light for the world and a model of peace in the region."