A day of prayer and reflection for Lebanon, a country in collapse
A day of prayer and reflection, desired by Pope Francis, for Lebanon was held yesterday at the Vatican.
The country, which has long been facing a deep economic crisis, is now collapsing: there is a shortage of medicines, diesel fuel, and power outages are becoming more frequent.
The pontiff wanted to bring attention to the Land of the Cedars, which he called "a universal message of peace and brotherhood rising from the Middle East."
It is indeed a country that is strategically located in the Mediterranean, and also an example of peaceful coexistence of different religions.
Pope Francis' appeal to the international community is strong: "Stop using Lebanon and the Middle East for extraneous interests and profits! The Lebanese must be given the chance to be protagonists of a better future, in their own land and without undue interference."