VATICAN CITY, Aug 9, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Pope Francis urged international
solidarity with Lebanon Sunday, in the wake of the explosion that devastated
the capital Beirut and as France hosts an international donors conference to
aid reconstruction efforts.
He also called on church leaders in Lebanon to lead by example.
“Last Tuesday’s catastrophe calls on all of us, starting with the Lebanese
people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country,” he
said.
The church in Lebanon should stay close to the people in their hour of
need, with “solidarity and compassion”, he said, speaking after weekly
prayers in Saint Peter’s Square.
“I also renew my appeal for generous help from the international
community.
Pope Francis was speaking as French President Emmanuel Macron hosts a UN-
backed virtual conference to drum up aid for Lebanon after the massive Beirut
port blast.