Hosting a day of prayer for Lebanon with Catholic and Orthodox leaders July 1, Pope Francis said that the country should no longer be used to serve “unscrupulous interests”.
“Stop using Lebanon and the Middle East for outside interests and profits,” the Pope said.
“The Lebanese people must be given the opportunity to be the architects of a better future in their land, without undue interference.”
Christian leaders from Lebanon spent the day at the Vatican in private roundtable discussions about the future of their country, which is facing a severe economic crisis.
Representatives from Lebanon’s Maronite, Melkite, Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Chaldean, Syrian Catholic, and evangelical community came to the Vatican for the day of prayer.
The day began with a moment of prayer in front of the high altar at St Peter’s Basilica before the Pope and the patriarchs placed lighted candles in the crypt chapel at the tomb of St Peter.
