Today Pope Benedict concluded the first day of his three-day
journey to Lebanon. Below are excerpts from the three addresses the Holy Father
delivered on Day One of the trip, starting with his Q&A with journalists on
the Beirut-bound airplane, the full transcript of which can be read here.
Q: In the context of the wave of desire for democracy which is underway
in many countries of the Middle East through the so-called Arab Spring, and
given the social conditions in the majority of these countries where Christians
are a minority, is there not a risk of inevitable tensions between the dominant
majority and the survival of Christianity?
A: In itself, the Arab spring
is a positive thing: a desire for greater democracy, more liberty, more
cooperation and a new Arab identity. This cry for liberty, which comes from a
more culturally educated and professional young people, who want greater participation
in political and social life, is positive progress which has been hailed by
Christians as well. Bearing in mind the history of revolutions, we naturally
know that this vital and positive cry for freedom risks forgetting one aspect –
a fundamental dimension for freedom – which is tolerance of the other. The fact
is that human freedom is always a shared freedom, which can only grow through
sharing, solidarity and living together with certain rules. This is always the
danger, as it is in this case. We must do all we can so that the concept of
freedom, the desire for freedom goes in the direction of true freedom and does
not forget tolerance and reconciliation which are essential elements for
freedom. Thus also the Arab Spring requires a renewal in this centuries -old
history. Christians and Arabs have built these lands and must live together. I
also believe that it’s important to see the positive elements in these
movements and, do all that is possible to ensure that freedom is correctly
conceived and corresponds to a greater dialogue rather than the dominion of one
over the other.
Q: Holy Father, in Syria, as in Iraq a while ago, many Christians feel
obliged to leave their country with heavy hearts. What does the Catholic Church
intend to do or say to help in this situation and to stem the flow of
Christians from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries?
A: First of all I must say
that not only Christians are leaving, but also Muslims. There is a great danger
that Christians leave these lands and lose their presence there and we must do
all that is possible to help them to stay. The most essential help would be the
end of war and violence which causes this exodus. Therefore we must do all we
can to halt the violence and encourage the possibility of staying together for
the future. What can we do against war? Of course we can always spread a
message of peace, insist that violence never resolves problems and strengthen
the forces of peace. The work of journalists is important as they can help a
great deal to show how violence destroys rather than builds anything, that it
is of no use to anyone. Then maybe Christian gestures, days of prayer for the
Middle East, for Christians and Muslims, to show the possibilities of dialogue
and solutions. I also believe that there must be an end to the import of arms:
without weapons, war could not continue. Instead of importing weapons, which is
a grave sin, we should import ideas, peace and creativity. We should accept
others in their diversity and make visible the mutual respect of religions, the
respect for man as God’s creation and love of neighbour as a fundamental
element of all religions. We must promote all possible actions, including
material ones, to support the end of war and violence so that all can
contribute to the rebuilding of the country.
Upon Pope Benedict’s arrival at Rafiq Hariri
International Airport in Beirut, a welcoming ceremony was held with
Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, members of Parliament, and religious
and civil leaders. The Holy Father delivered the following remarks (full text here):
The successful way the
Lebanese all live together surely demonstrates to the whole Middle East and to
the rest of the world that, within a nation, there can exist cooperation
between the various churches, all members of the one Catholic Church in a
fraternal spirit of communion with other Christians, and at the same time
coexistence and respectful dialogue between Christians and their brethren of
other religions. Like me, you know that this equilibrium, which is presented
everywhere as an example, is extremely delicate. Sometimes it seems about to
snap like a bow which is overstretched or submitted to pressures which are too
often partisan, even selfish, contrary and extraneous to Lebanese harmony and
gentleness. This is where real moderation and great wisdom are tested. And
reason must overcome one-sided passion in order to promote the greater good of
all. Did not the great King Solomon, who knew Hiram, King of Tyre, consider
that wisdom was the supreme virtue? This is why he pleaded to God for it
insistently, and God gave him a wise and intelligent heart (1 Kg 3:9-12).
…
The links between Lebanon and
the Successor of Peter are ancient and deep. Mr President, dear friends, I have
come to Lebanon as a pilgrim of peace, as a friend of God and as a friend of
men. Christ says, سَلامي أُعطيكُم, “My peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27). And looking beyond your country,
I also come symbolically to all the countries of the Middle East as a pilgrim
of peace, as a friend of God and as a friend of all the inhabitants of all the
countries of the region, whatever their origins and beliefs. To them too Christ
says: سَلامي أُعطيكُم. Your joys and sorrows are
constantly present in the Pope's prayers and I ask God to accompany you and to
comfort you. Let me assure you that I pray especially for the many people who
suffer in this region.
Later in the day Pope Benedict visited the
Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa and signed the apostolic exhortation “Ecclesia
in Medio Oriente,” the final product of the October 2010 Special Assembly of
the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. Publication of the post-synodal
exhortation is the formal reason for the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon; the
Vatican’s official summary of the document can be read here.
After signing the document, Pope Benedict addressed those present:
How can we fail to thank God at every moment for
all of you (cf. 1 Th 1:2; Part One of the Post-Synodal Exhortation), dear
Christians of the Middle East! How can we fail to praise him for your courage
and faith? How can we fail to thank him for the flame of his infinite love
which you continue to keep alive and burning in these places which were the
first to welcome his incarnate Son? How can we fail to praise and thank him for
your efforts to build ecclesial and fraternal communion, and for the human
solidarity which you constantly show to all God’s children?
…
It is here and now that we are called to
celebrate the victory of love over hate, forgiveness over revenge, service over
domination, humility over pride, and unity over division. In the light of
today’s Feast, and in view of a fruitful application of the Exhortation, I urge
all of you to fear not, to stand firm in truth and in purity of faith. This is
the language of the cross, exalted and glorious! This is the “folly” of the
cross: a folly capable of changing our sufferings into a declaration of love
for God and mercy for our neighbour; a folly capable of transforming those who
suffer because of their faith and identity into vessels of clay ready to be
filled to overflowing by divine gifts more precious than gold (cf. 2 Cor
4:7-18). This is more than simply picturesque language: it is a pressing appeal
to act concretely in a way which configures us ever more fully to Christ, in a
way which helps the different Churches to reflect the beauty of the first
community of believers (cf. Acts 2:41-47: Part Two of the Exhortation); in a
way like that of the Emperor Constantine, who could bear witness and bring
Christians forth from discrimination to enable them openly and freely to live
their faith in Christ crucified, dead and risen for the salvation of all.
…
“Fear not, little flock” (Lk 12:32) and remember
the promise made to Constantine: “In this sign you will conquer!” Churches of
the Middle East, fear not, for the Lord is truly with you, to the close of the
age! Fear not, because the universal Church walks at your side and is humanly
and spiritually close to you!
The full text of the Holy Father’s address at St. Paul’s Basilica can be
read here.
Related: What to look for during the Pope’s trip to Lebanon