Rai: The pope says 'peace is possible'

BEIRUT — In his Sunday homily at Bkirki, the seat of the Maronite Patriarchate, Patriarch Bechara Rai chose to echo the words of Leo XIV pronounced during his last visit to Lebanon.

"After the Holy Father's visit to Lebanon and his subsequent statements from Rome, it is clearly reaffirmed that peace is possible," he declared.

For Monsignor Rai, the pope's addresses are not "passing words, but a spiritual and moral stance." "His Holiness emphasized that wars do not build the future, that despair is not the destiny of peoples, and that Lebanon, despite its wounds, is capable of recovering if it returns to its mission," he explained. The prelate added: "Peace is not born from strength, but from mercy, for mercy opens the door to reconciliation, and reconciliation builds the future."

Marked by the theme of peace, Leo XIV's visit took place as Lebanon continues to be targeted by Israeli threats of a full-scale war, due to Hezbollah's refusal to hand over its weapons to the state.

Hezbollah emerged very weakened from its last war with Israel, but it continues to insist that the cease-fire agreement only provides for the seizure of its weapons south of the Litani River. The international community, notably the United States, is calling for its complete disarmament.