BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV's call for the conflict-ridden Middle East to change course and choose peace over the "horror of war" comes at a time when regional fears of state fragmentation, renewed displacement and a threatened future -- especially for its Christian communities -- are growing.
Leo, who concluded a three-day visit to Lebanon on Tuesday as part of his first official trip abroad, presented his vision for the Middle East, urging its leaders and people to embrace coexistence, fraternity, dialogue, reconciliation and peace.
He hopes to involve the entire Middle East "in this spirit of fraternity and commitment to peace," including "those who currently consider themselves enemies."
While he refrained from explicitly mentioning Israel during his numerous speeches, he called for an end of hostilities and for recognizing that "armed struggle brings no benefit" while "negotiation, mediation and dialogue are constructive."
Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane returning to Rome, the leader of the Catholic Church said he believes that "sustainable peace is achievable" and could once again return to the region.
