Voices of Mideast Christians and Muslims about Pope Benedict’s visit to Beirut

Reuters ^ | September 16, 2012 | Tom Heneghan

[NYer]

Whenever he travels abroad, Pope Benedict delivers speeches that journalists scan for their relevance to the situation in the country he’s visiting. This aspect has been especially important here in Lebanon, a multi-faith country that suffered through a 15-year civil war (1975-90) fought along sectarian lines and watches nervously as Syria’s bloody civil war unfolds along sectarian lines only 50 km (30 miles) from Beirut. The majority of our stories have focused on his calls for an end to violence in Syria and efforts to promote peace and religious co-existence in the region.

Another aspect is the enthusiastic welcome Christians and some Muslims have given the pope as a messenger of peace. We’ve quoted several of them in our news stories.

Hani, 24 from Irbil in Iraq, was waving Kurdish flag even though he’s not Kurdish. “This is exciting because its my first opportunity to see the pope in the flesh” he said. “I’m so glad he decided to do this because if anyone needs him right now it is the Christians of the Middle East.” ... snip ...

Muslims also turned up to see the pope. The pope had official meetings with Muslim leaders here and several Muslim politicians have attended the different events, including the Mass. Even Mohammad Raad, leader of parliamentary group of the militant Shi’te movement Hezbollah — which the US and Israel label as terrorist — was in the front rows at the Mass.

On Saturday, a Muslim named Amira Chabhoul was in the crowd outside the presidential palace, where Benedict delivered a speech to political, religious and cultural leaders. She said: “We came to see the pope to welcome him. We congratulate him for his visit in Lebanon, may he bring peace. He offers love to all Lebanon and the Lebanese people.”

[NYer]

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful from his Pope-mobile upon his arrival to conduct an open-air mass service at Beirut City Center Waterfront September 16, 2012.

The faithful gather at Bkerke, the hilltop centre of the Maronite Church, before the Pope Benedict XVI attends a youth rally. Central Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea are seen in the background. September 15, 2012.

A man draped in an Iraqi flag attends an open air mass service conducted by Pope Benedict XVI at Beirut City Centre Waterfront, September 16, 2012. The flag reads: “Allahu Akbar” — God is great.

Pope Benedict XVI meets Muslim religious leaders at Baabda Presidential Palace near Beirut September 15, 2012. He met Sunni, Shi’ite, Alawite and Druze leaders during the visit.

[NYer]

A giant rosary made of balloons rises in the sky over peoplel gathering at Bkerke in Harissa near Beirut before the Pope Benedict XVI meets the youth September 15, 2012.

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[Mrs. Don-o]

The Rosary’s cool. I’m sending a link for this story to a local Mideast History professor at ETSU who comes from Lebanon and has an especial interest in the Druzes— and peace.

[mardi59]

God bless Pope Benedict, and the people of Lebanon.

Lord, please bring our brothers and sisters strength in their hour of need. I ask this in Jesus Holy Name. Amen

[Sirius Lee]

It would be so great if the Pope could convert a few more Lebanese back into the fold. Only in Christianity does the M.E. stand a chance for peace and a return to civilization.

[agere_contra]

Amen.

[marron]

Impressive.

Their faith costs them in ways I have never had to face.

The muslim middle east writhes and self-destructs. The Christians have been savaged and have taken the brunt of it but in the end they carry the answer within themselves. Islam brings only misery where ever it rules; only Christ can bring peace to this land.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks NYer.

[Unam Sanctam]

I’m glad nothing bad happened and that he’s back safe in Rome. I was worried about this trip given all that’s going on over there.

[annalex]

Only in Christianity does the M.E. stand a chance for peace and a return to civilization.

Run, speak to this young man, saying: Jerusalem shall be inhabited without walls, by reason of the multitude of men, and of the beasts in the midst thereof. [5] And I will be to it, saith the Lord, a wall of fire round about: and I will be in glory in the midst thereof. (Prophecy Of Zacharias 2:4-5)