James O'Reilly
Among the many calls and video calls that Fr. Toni Elias receives each day, he never imagined that one of them would come from Pope Leo XIV himself.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
He called us on the group called “Here are the Priests,” a video call. He told us, “Look who I am with — His Holiness,” and then he handed over the phone. And with a smile like that on his face… it was really a surprise for all of us as well. I don’t know — this joy is not easy to explain.
The apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Pablo Borgia, organized the WhatsApp group so that Pope Leo XIV could personally greet the priests who continue carrying out their pastoral duties in a country battered by bombings and by never-ending conflict.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
I truly, immediately felt in my heart what I have said in several interviews: that Peter confirms his brothers. I experienced this firsthand, didn’t I? That he is the successor of Saint Peter, that he continues to confirm his brothers in the faith — perhaps especially his younger brothers.
Despite it being such a simple gesture—something most people do every day to stay connected with loved ones—it meant the world for these priests, who in recent months have experienced ongoing uncertainty, fear, and insecurity about the future.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
His Holiness told us words of encouragement: “I encourage you in what you are doing. I pray for you and I give you my blessing.
He gave me the most important thing he has — his blessing, the Lord’s blessing. There is nothing more important than that, to be able to say this.
The small town where Fr. Elias lives is Rmeich. It is the southernmost town in the country, located right along the border with Israel, but it continues to endure despite the hardship.
FR. TONI ELIAS
Maronite parish priest in southern Lebanon
Humanitarian aid is reaching us from Beirut, from benefactors and Catholic associations. Also Christian ones, right? They are committing to send us convoys of humanitarian aid. Because for more than two months we have been practically completely cut off.
The war has caused an exodus among the native population in Lebanon. Even so, many Christian families choose to remain. They continue to hope, pray, and strive for the peace called for by Pope Leo, who experienced the reality of their lives firsthand during his first apostolic journey last December.
