It was no surprise that the Christians of Lebanon were overjoyed to host Pope Leo XIV in their country during his first apostolic trip. Thousands of Christians pushed through crowds and rough weather just to see him.
One of the Pope's main focuses of the trip was inter-religious dialogue, which begs the question: what did the non-Christian communities in Lebanon think of his visit?
We sat down with Dr. Habib Milik, a specialist in Lebanese history, to learn more. According to his experience, the reports were overall positive.
DR. HABIB MALIK
Professor of History at the Lebanese American University (retired)
I got a number of calls from friends of mine, many of whom are Sunnis and some Druze, and they were all elated at the Pope's visit. Because they again sensed, in their own way, that this will be good for Lebanon, this will be good for peaceful coexistence, this will be good for, at the end of the day, removing this toxic edge that we have to all deal with, which is Iranian meddling here.
Beyond the positive feelings about Pope Leo's visit from the the non-Christian community, there were even Muslims who spoke of his presence having spiritual effects.
BISHOP GREGORY MANSOUR
Eparch of St. Maron of Brooklyn
There have been a couple of Muslim commentators who were saying to themselves they felt the presence of Jesus in the Pope's visit. But then they were upset because, in their own community, they don't see that. Why should someone from the Christians have to bring in so much joy and encouragement and peace? We must also do the same thing.
So, it seems that the Pope's journey not only inspired the Catholic faithful but all people in Lebanon of good will—both Christian and Muslim—who seek peace, many of whom are simply weary of war and bitter in-fighting.
DR. HABIB MALIK
Professor of History at the Lebanese American University (retired)
I think that is certainly true for the majority of Christians; it has become a fact for the majority of Sunnis after they have seen, you know, what Hezbollah has done to the country and those who back it from outside; and the Druze. And even some very courageous or intrepid Shiites. So if you take all of these together, this is a sizable majority of people in Lebanon who, regardless of their sectarian affiliation, want peace. And I think that in this sense, the Pope's message resonated well.
It remains to be seen how the people of Lebanon will achieve Pope Leo's clarion calls for peace, but what we do know is his message echoed the feelings of many in the country — Catholic or not.
JPO
