Pope invites Lebanese Christians to Vatican for peace prayer

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has invited representatives of Lebanon’s Christian community to the Vatican on July 1 for a day of prayer and reflection “about the worrisome situation in the country.”

Francis announced the encounter during his Sunday noon blessing, saying the aim was to “pray together for the gift of peace and stability.” He asked for prayers ahead of the meeting and for Lebanon itself so the country can enjoy “a more serene future.”

Lebanon has been enduring an unparalleled financial, economic and political crisis for months, which has been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Francis met in April at the Vatican with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and urged all Lebanese political leaders to “urgently commit themselves to the benefit of the nation.”

According to Lebanon’s power-sharing system, the president has to be a Maronite Christian and the parliament speaker a Shiite Muslim, while the prime minister has to be a Sunni.



Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Sunday, May 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-lebanon-europe-religion-business-a821422b46b1c7ff6e4d5ba824494c35

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I really like this Pope.

Inviting individuals who are both Lebanese and Protestant to the Vatican is a healing gesture.

[quaint]

4. Curious...

I think only about 1% of Lebanese are Protestant. What is the significance?
Disclaimer: I was raised Maronite (same Pope in the Vatican).

[ananda]

5. I was wondering about that.

My first college roommate was a Lebanese Maronite
Catholic (which I didn't know at the time since I
thought everyone was Roman Catholic.)

I only found this out when I read her obituary.

I'll have to look up the difference.

[quaint]

7. I was taught a number of differences

...but I only remember two, neither may actually be true.
Political: Maronite bishops do not prostrate themselves before the pope.
Practical: Women promise to raise their children in the religion of their husband.

[seta1950]

3. I'm afraid more than prayers are needed

People can’t withdraw their own money from banks, imagine how low this country has fallen.it’s very 😔 sad

[infullview]

6. Like puring gas on a fire

Does anyone think that inviting "Lebanese Christians" might also be polarizing for a country that has long had tensions between the Muslims and Christians? It was the Catholic church that split the country in two during the crusades for effing sake!