Pope Leo Leads in Lebanon

Much news has been made about Pope Leo’s trip to Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicen Cread. Justifiably so, recognizing this important milestone and using it as a call for Christian unity is a critically necessary message at this time in history. However, Pope Leo’s subsequent visit to Lebanon was also powerful and rich in meaning and purpose. Lebanon is a historically Catholic land. Saint Peter founded the Church in Lebanon on his way to Antioch. Lebanon is a thoroughly biblical land. The great Lebanon Cedar tree is referenced throughout scripture. In the Old Testament, Lebanon is said to be either part of or the northern boundary of the Promised Land. It’s prized Cedar wood was the only wood good enough for building the sanctuary where the glory of God dwelt. According to the New Testament, Christ visited two of the cities of modern-day Lebanon, Sidon and Tyre.

Thus, it was fitting for Leo to visit Lebanon on his first international journey. Modern day Lebanon has the largest proportion of Christians in the Middle East at about one third Christian, with Maronite Catholics the majority. Despite the strong presence of the Hezbollah, it has religious freedom. Lebanon's unique power-sharing system requires the president to be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister to be a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the parliament to be a Shia Muslim.

A theme from the Church leaders and the faithful in Lebanon was that they felt the Pope’s visit was a sign to them that they were not forgotten. That alone may have been enough. However, there may be a hint that Pope Leo has started diplomacy in the background unlike other world leaders who do so publicly. According to the National Catholic Register, Pope Leo Acknowledged, “on the plane back to Rome that he had “begun, in a very small way, a few conversations” with international leaders on peace in Lebanon. He added that he believed that it is possible that peace can once again come to Lebanon and the region.” Vatican News quoted Pope Leo saying “Our work is not primarily something public that we proclaim in the streets; it is somewhat behind the scenes. It is something we have already done and will continue to do in order to convince the parties to lay down their arms, to abandon violence, and to come together to the table of dialogue.”

Pope Leo has a new style from his predecessors and other world leaders. He speaks differently as I wrote about previously. Perhaps it is fitting that Pope Leo starts this new approach to leadership in a forgotten and suffering Lebanon. The mighty Lebanon Cedars of the bible were the only wood sacred enough to build the Sanctuary of the Lord. Sometimes a quiet behind the scenes strength can be more effective than the in-your-face confrontation of the modern world.