Pope calls for peace and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims

17 September, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI, 85, on his three-day visit Lebanon, appealed on Sunday for peace in Syria and harmony in the Middle East. Speaking at an open-air Mass, he urged the international community and Arab countries to find a solution to end violence and 'grim trail of death and destruction' in the region.

THE POPE told the gathering in Beirut that they should all be peacemakers, while making a call for peace and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims in the region. He stressed for justice and peace in building a fraternal society and fellowship.

According to the Pope, the best way forward was in 'rejecting revenge, acknowledging one's faults, accepting apologies without demanding them and, not least, forgiveness'.

He urged Middle Eastern Christians and Muslims to build a harmonious, pluralistic society subscribing to the dignity of each person and the right to worship in peace. He called upon people to exercise tolerance, religious freedom and amity between faiths.

Lebanon is a multi-faith country with about forty percent Christian population. While praising Lebanon, the Pope called upon the youth saying, “You are the future of this fine country and of the Middle East in general. Seek to build it together.”