Pope Leo XIV: “Protecting civilians in Lebanon is a moral duty”

Pope Leo XIV affirmed his deep solidarity with the Lebanese people, noting that he stands by them amid the difficult circumstances they are enduring.

The Pope said, in remarks delivered before the crowds in St. Peter’s Square following the Regina Caeli prayer, that he is “closer than ever to the Lebanese people,” stressing that “their protection is a moral duty.”

He added: “Closer than ever, in these days of sorrow and fear, and of hope in God that cannot be overcome, to the beloved Lebanese people,” noting that “protecting the civilian population from the effects of the terrible war is a moral duty.”