ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “I have returned from my first apostolic journey in Turkey and Lebanon for a few days. With his beloved brother Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and representatives of other Christian denominations, we met to pray together with Iznik, the ancient Nicea. We give thanks to God and renew our commitment to the full visible unity of all Christians. In Turkey I had the joy of meeting the Catholic community: through patient dialogue and service to those who suffer, it bears witness to the Gospel of love and the logic of God manifested in smallness. Lebanon continues to be a mosaic of cohabitation and has comforted me to listen to so many testimonies in this sense. I met people who proclaim the Gospel by welcoming the displaced, visiting the prisoners, sharing bread with those who are in need.” Thus Pope Leo XIV at the end of the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square.
“I was comforted by seeing so many people on the street to greet me and touched me the encounter with the relatives of the victims of the explosion in the port of Beirut. The Lebanese waited for a word and a presence of consolation, but they comforted me with their faith and enthusiasm. I thank all those who have accompanied me with prayer. Dear brothers and sisters, what has happened in recent days in Turkey and Lebanon teaches us that peace is possible and that Christians in dialogue with men and women of other faiths and cultures can contribute to building it. We do not forget: peace is possible”, concluded the Holy Father.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
