ASIA/LEBANON - Bishop Berardi on the Pope's visit: “An extraordinary moment of faith and hope”

Beirut (Agenzia Fides) – “I had the privilege of being invited by Maronite Patriarch Rai to participate in Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon from November 30 to December 2. I say privilege because they were unforgettable days of fraternity and communion,” Bishop Aldo Berardi (O.SS.T.), Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, told Fides about the Pope's recent visit to the Land of Cedars.

“Lebanon is special because of its history and its deep faith. My participation in this great event represents an extraordinary moment of faith and hope. We are aware of Lebanon's difficulties, its economic and social problems, and its internal and external political tensions. The current situation does not leave us indifferent and deeply worries us,” the bishop emphasized. “We all dream of a prosperous and generous Lebanon, a secular Lebanon that educates its people, full of energy and resources drawn from its centuries-old past. A multicultural and tolerant Lebanon. However, recent events have transformed it into a suffering country, one that longs to rediscover its vitality and creative potential. In this context, Pope Leo's visit was all the more significant. The Pope was meant to come to bring hope and joy to this wounded nation, which is striving to rise again. It has all the resources and means to do so.”

“I was deeply moved during the various events I attended,” emphasized the Apostolic Vicar of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. “We all felt a true sense of community and a glimpse into the future,” he continued. “I carry in my heart the thousands of people who thronged the streets, all religions together, who witnessed the historic nature of the event. They waited in the rain to honor a religious leader who was received like a brother. I remember the thousands of young Catholics who welcomed young people of other faiths and expressed their hope before the Pope, despite the doubts and difficulties, the pain and temptations to turn to other horizons. A father had come to tell them to have courage for a better future and to build their lives and their society on truth. I think of the bishops and priests, nuns and monks, who are as close as possible to their people, sharing their misery and pain, in solidarity with a flock loved by the Lord. They are an example of closeness and compassion that touches hearts.”

The visit of Pope Leo has given new strength, according to the Apostolic Vicar. “Life has returned. Lebanon will regain its strength and flourish anew by taking root in its faith and rising again with its Lord.
Peacemakers have thus received the peace that comes from God. I earnestly pray that this country, so dear to me, may recover. It deserves it,” the Apostolic Vicar concluded. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 9/12/2025)

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