US bishops have joined the call for Lebanon help in the wake of turmoil in the nation.
In April 2021, the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon issued an appeal to the international community to help the people of Lebanon to protect their rights and rebuild a country that is “a message of freedom and a witness to harmonious existence.” Cognizant of this ongoing turmoil, Pope Francis will meet with leaders of Lebanon’s Christian community on July 1 at the Vatican for a day of prayer and reflection. Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on International Justice and Peace voiced his support and prayer for the Lebanese patriarchs’ appeal and the meeting on July 1.
Bishop Malloy’s full statement follows:
“Given the ongoing and protracted political and economic crisis in Lebanon, on April 21, the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon issued an appeal to the international community to help the people of Lebanon: maintain their individual, collective, and national rights; overcome the economic crisis, protect Lebanese society’s social fabric, preserve Lebanon’s interreligious character, and support the Christian presence through Church institutions.
“Pope Francis has expressed his concern for Lebanon on several occasions. At Christmas 2020, the Holy Father sent a letter to the Lebanese people, acknowledging their suffering, yet recognized they can ‘bring to the whole world the sweet fragrance of mutual respect, coexistence, and pluralism.’ In that letter, the Holy Father goes on to appeal to the international community to help Lebanon surmount its political and economic crises and ‘stand apart from conflicts and regional tensions.’
“This country has long been an example to the region and the world. I encourage the faithful and all those of goodwill to pray that the meeting of Lebanon’s Christian leaders with Pope Francis on July 1 will be met with divine grace, mercy, and direction at this difficult time in Lebanon’s history. It is vital that we support the work of Catholic organizations working there, such as Catholic Near East Welfare Association, Caritas Lebanon, Catholic Relief Services, and Aid to the Church in Need, who are courageously providing relief and hope.”
