VATICAN - Benedict XVI tells new Ambassador of Lebanon: “Particularly sensitive to the sufferings undergone for so long by the people of the Middle East, the Holy See continues with determination its commitment to peace and reconciliation in Lebanon and throughout that region so beloved to all believers.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “ "In this important phase in your nation's history, the Holy See continues to follow events in Lebanon very closely and pays particular attention to the efforts made to find a definitive solution to the problems facing the country. Particularly sensitive to the sufferings undergone for so long by the people of the Middle East, the Holy See continues with determination its commitment to peace and reconciliation in Lebanon and throughout that region so beloved to all believers.” This is part of the address given by the Holy Father Benedict XVI to the new Ambassador of Lebanon to the Holy See, Mr. Georges Chakib El Khoury, who presented his Letters of Credence on November 17.
In his address, Benedict XVI recalled that “Lebanon is the birthplace of an ancient culture...and a country with many different religious denominations that have shown their ability to live together in fraternity and collaboration,” this is the millennial history of the country, and the place it occupies at the center of a complex region, which give it a fundamental mission to “contribute to peace and harmony among everyone.” Although Lebanon is a “treasure” that has been entrusted to all the Lebanese people, who have the duty to protect it and make it progress, the also Pope expressed the hope that the international community may protect and value it and avoid its becoming a land in which regional and global conflicts are played out. “Lebanon must, then, be a laboratory in which to seek effective solutions to the conflicts that have long troubled the Middle East," he said.
After expressing his satisfaction for the “courageous efforts made in recent months by the entire country and its leaders in bringing about a normal functioning in political life and all national institutions,” the Holy Father conveyed his hope that, leaving particular interests to one side and healing the wounds of the past, everyone will make an effective commitment to the path of dialogue and reconciliation so that the country may progress in stability.” Benedict XVI then continued, saying, “the tensions that still exist demonstrate the need to continue down the path opened some months ago with the Doha Agreement, in order to build Lebanese institutions together. In this commitment to the common good, people must be guided by an unshakable certainty: each member of the Lebanese people must feel Lebanon as their home and know that their own concerns and legitimate expectations are effectively taken into consideration, while showing reciprocal respect for the rights of others. To this end, it is necessary to promote and develop true education for peace, reconciliation and dialogue, directed above all at the young generations.”
A lasting peace can only be established “if everyone gives fundamental importance to the will to live together in the same land, and considers justice, reconciliation and dialogue as the appropriate context in which to resolve the problems of individuals and groups.” To such an end, there is a need for “increasingly tight co-operation between all sides of the nation, based on trusting relationships between individuals and communities.”
At the end of the meeting, the Holy Father recalled the recent beatification in Beirut of Fr. Jacques Ghazir Haddad, apostle of mercy and zealous preacher of the Word of God, expressing his hope that he may be an encouragement to Catholics, to be “architects of unity and fraternity among their country's citizens, in profound communion with their Pastors.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2008)