Pope Benedict from Beirut: Lebanese People have Set Example of Diversity for Mideast and the World
Pope Benedict XVI arrived on Friday for a three-day visit to Lebanon, saying the coexistence of the country's different religious communities could serve as an example to all the Middle East.
He said: “The Lebanese people have set an example of diversity and mutual coexistence for the Middle East and the world.”
He made his remarks upon his arrival at the Rafik Hariri International Airport where an official, religious, and popular reception was thrown in his honor.
The official reception was headed by President Michel Suleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Najib Miqati with their respective wives.
Chants in support of the Pope were made upon his appearance from the plane where he waved to the crowd.
He was greeted by Suleiman, Miqati, Berri, and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi upon stepping down from the plane.
A 21-cannon salute was fired upon his arrival and the Vatican and Lebanese national anthems were played at the airport.
In his arrival speech, the pope noted that "this conviviality to which your country wishes to bear witness, will run deep only if it is founded upon a welcoming regard for the other and upon an attitude of benevolence, and if it is rooted in God who wishes all men to be brothers.
"The celebrated Lebanese equilibrium which wishes to continue to be a reality, will continue through the good will and commitment of all Lebanese,” he added.
"Only then will it serve as a model to the inhabitants of the whole region and of the entire world,” he said.
For his part, Suleiman said upon the pope's arrival: “Lebanon and the Vatican have enjoyed historic ties.”
“Lebanon welcomes you and you chose to announce to the world the importance of our country as an example of mutual coexistence,” he continued.
“You chose Lebanon despite the dangers to stress the importance of its Christian and Muslim presence in order to maintain Lebanon's historic character,” he added.
“You bring with you a message of peace to the peoples of the region through the apostolic exhortation,” said the president.
“To you, peace is not just the rejection of violence, but maintaining close ties with God,” he stressed.
“We hope your visit will bring good to Lebanon and the peoples of the region,” declared Suleiman.
The apostolic exhortation represents the conclusion of a Middle Eastern synod in 2010 that emphasized the defense of Christian minorities in the region.
The pope's next stop will be the papal embassy in Harissa.
over 11 years
So the glowing pope will be "blessing" the land of the (remaining (c) F.T) cedars, german cars, religious naivety, primitive believes (ranging from bronze ages to middle ages passing by antiquity), the land of superstitions > logic, silly manipulated minds, tribal heads in feashionable clothes, "iztizka", pretentious people, unethical people, no respect to anything or anyone people, auto-destructive people, to the land of nature ruining and garbage tossing people, and last but not least, the land with the funniest superiority complex in the region, that is, in a tight competition with Israel, in this specific category and in the guiness book...
over 11 years
With a slick poetical manner you are proving one of my points, thanks ;)
over 11 years
veni vidi vici
over 11 years
Lebanon diversity, openness and democratic tradition can show the world how Muslims and Christians can live together, believe diversity is our most precious resource, and respond appropriately to provocations such as the movie insulting of Islam that was clearly produced to sow discord and hate among communities. Cedar Revolution spirit is not only needed to guide the Arab and Iranian Springs, but also the spiritual resala for the region and the world. Lebanese Christians and Muslims are a necessity for the region. Our democracy and freedom should be enshrined in our constitution and serve as an intellectual oasis and safety harbor for oppressed reformers from a stormy region. The way Christians and Muslims are embracing the Pope’s visit as countries are boiling with religious hatred, make me proud to be Lebanese. Despite our leaders’ attempt to divide us so they can rule us, I’m certain Gebran’s Oath is weaved within our culture and subconscious and evident today.
over 11 years
well said gebran_sons
over 11 years
@Darwish
When your father land is down you dont inflict more blows disgraceful remarks like that instead you should help it stand up again.
over 11 years
I was forced like allot of Lebanese to leave Lebanon late 80s, I lived, since then, in a country where transparency and sincere self-critique in its society, are one major pillars of real democracy and progressism... The "shush don't make a bad publicity of your country" are just used in dark societies... What can I do for a land where its messy politicians and people force anyone who has the slightest respect of human dignity and evolution to leave and go because he/she is the wrong one in Lebanon... Only the corrupt and the hypocrits function in Leb... Gebran, the man now venerated, said worth than that to his lebanese contemporaries and he was hated in Lebanon by the establishment... What could he do for his father's land? It is in the West that he could become what he became, not in Lebanon...
over 11 years
"The celebrated Lebanese equilibrium which wishes to continue to be a reality, will continue through the good will and commitment of all Lebanese,” he added. (end of quotation)
The Pope's people should have warned him against praising a system which gives disproportionate privileges to Christians. He really should have done his own research.
over 11 years
"The celebrated Lebanese equilibrium which wishes to continue to be a reality, will continue through the good will and commitment of all Lebanese,” he added. (end of quotation)
The Pope's people should have warned him against praising a system which gives disproportionate privileges to Christians. He really should have done his own research.
over 11 years
what is this guy smoking?
is he reading the same news that we read?
seriously?
lebanon as a land of harmony between christians and moslems?
hmmyeah, that's why we've been killing each other for decades!
over 11 years
Darwish & gebran_sons, you are both completely right. Beautiful nature and amazing history, but way to much of the population is terribly misguided. You'll find more respect for human life even in war-torn African countries. There's no hope for Lebanon unless the average Lebanese start looking at the greater good for the whole population.
Welcome to the Land of the Cedars!!!