Pope says he is 'closer than ever' to Lebanese people

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square during the Regina Caeli prayer in The Vatican on April 12, 2026. FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP

Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to the people of Lebanon on Sunday, April 12, saying there was a "moral obligation" to protect them while calling on warring parties to seek peace.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last month as Israel pursues the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 2,000 people been killed in Israeli strikes.

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Pope Leo’s visit to Lebanon: a call for hope, peace, unity - UPI.com