The drive from central Beirut to the mountain village of Annaya, which houses the shrine of Lebanon’s most celebrated saint, is normally a little rough. Pope Leo, who visited the village on Monday, found it to be a smoother experience; the road was completely repaved in recent weeks in anticipation of his visit.
It reflects a broader – and unusual – sense of renewal that took hold in Lebanon over the past three days, as the head of the Catholic Church toured the country, bringing with him a much-needed message of optimism, reconciliation and peace. A meeting with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was followed by an interfaith dialogue; a visit to a psychiatric hospital; a silent prayer session at Beirut’s port, where a massive explosion five years ago killed and maimed hundreds; and a mass for tens of thousands of worshipers on the Beirut waterfront.
The papal visit was notable for having been hailed by all of Lebanon’s rival factions, including Hezbollah, the extremist militant group-cum-political party that controls large swathes of the country. It also stood out for having taken place even amid the country’s various crises, including aerial bombardment by Israeli forces and ongoing economic paralysis.
And yet, this is precisely why the Pope's presence was needed.
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