Holy See ‘shares the suffering’ of Lebanese people
At an international conference on the crisis in Lebanon, the Holy See said it was “imperative” for the international community to support the country.
By Joseph Tulloch
Mgr. Mirosław Stanisław Wachowski, undersecretary for relations of the Holy See with States, called on the international community to safeguard the “independence, unity and territorial integrity” of Lebanon.
He made these remarks today, Thursday 24th October, during a conference in support of Lebanon organized by the French government, bringing together representatives of 70 different states and international organizations.
“Imperative” for the international community to help
In recent years, Lebanon has been in the grip of a serious economic crisis. In October, Israeli forces invaded parts of the south of the country.
Mgr. Wachowski began his speech by emphasizing that the Holy See “shares the suffering of the Lebanese people.”
He said it was “imperative” that the international community tackle the crisis in the country, including by pushing for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts.
Presidential vacancy
Mgr then highlighted the example that Lebanon sets in terms of “harmonious coexistence between its different religious communities”. By most estimates, about a third of Lebanon’s population is Christian.
In this regard, said Mgr. Wachowski, the Holy See is concerned by the current absence of a president of Lebanon, a role still held by a Maronite Catholic. Political impasse means the country has not had a president for about two years.
“The appointment of a President” Mgr. Wachowski stressed that “this is not just an option but a necessity in order to safeguard the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon” and a matter of “highest urgency.”
Respect for humanitarian law
Addressing the conflict currently raging in the south of the country, Mgr. Wachowski said the Holy See calls for “utmost respect” for international humanitarian law, including the protection of hospitals, clinics, schools, educational institutions and places of worship.
He also expressed the Holy See’s support for the UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, which have come under fire on several occasions from Israeli forces.
Mgr. Wachowski concluded his speech by quoting the words of Pope Francis during an ecumenical prayer for Lebanon at the Vatican in 2021:
