By Kielce Gussie
For his last event on the first full day in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV met with young people in Bkerké, Lebanon. The event began with the testimonies of volunteers and young people, before two more asked the Holy Father questions.
In his speech, the Pope began by addressing those present with the “greeting of the Risen Jesus”, “assalamu alaikum” or peace be with you.
The enthusiasm they all feel, the Pope highlighted, “expresses God’s loving closeness, which brings us together as brothers and sisters to share our faith in him and our communion with one another.” Specifically, he welcomed the young people from Syria and Iraq as well as all the Lebanese who have returned from living abroad.
There is still time
Turning back to the testimonies from Anthony, Maria, Elie, and Joelle—whom they heard before the Pope’s address—the Holy Father emphasized that theirs were stories of “courage in the midst of suffering, hope in the face of disappointment, and inner peace during times of war.”
The history of Lebanon is full of both glorious and difficult moments. In this storied past, Pope Leo encouraged the young people not to lose hope. “Perhaps you regret inheriting a world torn apart by wars and disfigured by social injustice. Yet, there is hope within you—a gift that we adults seem to have lost,” he lamented. “There is still time to plan, dream, and do good”.
He reminded them that they are the present and the future and that they are the ones who can change the course of history. Evil is not the antidote to evil, but rather the answer is love. The witness of the four testimonies “are prophecies of a new future that will be ushered in through reconciliation and mutual help.”
Christ as a foundation to peace
Lebanon, the homeland of these young people, will flourish once again, Pope Leo stressed. Looking to the example of the cedar tree—the national emblem—he noted how the tree’s strength lies in its roots, as is the same for the people of Lebanon. The Holy Father urged the young people to “draw from the good roots of those dedicated to serving society without using it for their own interests.”
He called them to be the source of hope that the country needs. Pope Leo pointed out that the questions the two young people asked help plot a course for the future. The first question involved finding a solid foundation on which to persevere in the commitment to peace, which the Pope emphasized cannot be an idea, contract or moral principle. The risen Christ must be this foundation.
Peace, however, can only be authentic if it is not the result of partisan aims. It is true that “forgiveness leads to justice, which is the foundation of peace.”
True friendship does not have a time limit
The second question asked to the Pope was about keeping relationships grounded in genuine love. The Holy Father explained the need to avoid letting our personal interests take precedence over trusting in and caring for others. He warned that “if our ego is at the center of a friendship or loving relationship, it cannot bear fruit.”
True love, Pope Leo noted, is not temporary, rather it cannot have a time limit. Moreover, genuine friendship is when “you” is placed before “I”. “This respectful and welcoming way of looking at others”, he highlighted, “makes it possible for us to build a greater “we”, open to society as a whole and to all of humanity.
Firm friendships are built on shared trust and the “forever” that is at the heart of every call to family and religious life.
Not to be discouraged
Love is the greatest expression of God’s presence in the world. Charity is a universal language “because it speaks to every heart.” Pope Leo explained that charity is not just an idea, but it is a story that reveals the lives of Jesus and the saints—who accompany us in the challenges of our lives.
Think of the many young people—who like those present in this square—have refused to be discouraged by injustices and bad examples, even those in the Church. Rather, they are working to create new paths in search of Heaven and its justice.
The Holy Father then reminded the young people of the examples of Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati, Carlo Acutis, and the many Lebanese saints, such as St Rafqa, Blessed Yakub El-Haddad, and St Charbel.
In a world overwhelmed with distractions, the Pope encouraged the young people to “take time each day to close your eyes and look only at God.” Though He may seem quiet, Pope Leo stressed that God speaks to those who look for Him in the silence.
Closing, the Pope highlighted the beauty that many young people carry a rosary with them. He urged them to keep the St Francis of Assisi prayer for peace (Lord, make me an instrument of your peace) in their hearts and minds to help keep Christian enthusiasm alive within them. – Vatican News
