The pope taking part in an ecumenical and interreligious meeting in Martyrs’ Square during his visit to Beirut in Nov-Dec. 2025. (Credit: Téa Ziadé/L'Orient-Le Jour)
BEIRUT — Pope Leo XIV expressed his “spiritual closeness" to the people of southern Lebanon on Wednesday during a call with priests from the South, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.
According to NNA, the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, Paolo Borgia, set up on a communication group on Wednesday morning bringing together priests from south Lebanon, before surprising them with a live video call from Pope Leo XIV.
During the meeting, Pope Leo expressed his “spiritual closeness to the sons and daughters of the South,” stressing that he is “fully aware of what is happening in this afflicted region, and that he holds its people, priests, families, the wounded, and those anxious about their fate in his prayers and paternal heart,” concluding his remarks by granting the Apostolic Blessing to all.
The Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Sour, Metropolitan George Iskandar, said that “this meeting was a deeply moving moment for the participating priests, as the words and blessing of His Holiness the Pope came as a spiritual balm at a time when the South is living under the weight of fear, waiting and open wounds.” He added that “this appearance carried a clear message that the universal Church does not forget its suffering people, but accompanies them through prayer, closeness, and paternal care.”
Participants thanked the Apostolic Nuncio for this initiative, saying it “made the closeness of the Holy Father tangible and present, and opened a window of light amid difficult days,” stressing that “this meeting grants priests and worshippers renewed spiritual strength to continue their mission, remain steadfast alongside the people, and bring hope where pain weighs heavily.”
Despite a cease-fire agreement reached on April 16 following 45 days of war between Hezbollah and Israel, Israeli airstrikes continue to target several parts of south Lebanon, and occasionally, the Bekaa. Israeli forces are also demolishes houses and infrastructure in villages it still occupies after declaring a buffer zone in south Lebanon, just a few days after the cease-fire. Hezbollah, meanwhile, continues to carry out attacks, mainly targeting Israeli forces still present in south Lebanon.
Before the cease-fire, the Pope had said that he is "closer than ever" to the Lebanese people, whose protection is, a "moral obligation."
Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon between November 30 and December 2 for a trip dubbed "Blessed are the peacemakers."
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil