WITNESS TO GOD'S PRESENCE

May Lebanon continue to be a place where men and women can live in harmony and peace with each other, in order to give the world not only a witness to the presence of God ... but also a witness to the communion between people, ... whatever their political, social or religious standpoint.

PRAYER FOR LEBANON

I pray to God for Lebanon, that she may live in peace and courageously resist all that could destroy or undermine that peace. I hope that Lebanon will continue to permit the plurality of religious traditions and not listen to those who wish to prevent it.

"CHOOSE BROTHERHOOD"

I hope that Lebanon will fortify the communion among all her inhabitants, whatever their community or religion, that she will resolutely reject all that could lead to disunity, and with determination choose brotherhood.

"URGENTLY NECESSARY"

... In a world where violence constantly leaves behind its grim trail of death and destruction, to serve justice and peace is urgently necessary for building a fraternal society, for building fellowship!

"SERVANTS OF PEACE"

... I pray ... that the Lord will grant to this region of the Middle East servants of peace and reconciliation, so that all people can live in peace and with dignity.

"BE PEACEMAKERS"

This is an essential testimony which Christians must render here, in cooperation with all people of good will. I appeal to all of you to be peacemakers, wherever you find yourselves.

"PEACEFUL HEARTS"

May God grant to your country, to Syria and to the Middle East the gift of peaceful hearts, the silencing of weapons and the cessation of all violence! May men understand that they are all brothers!

(Sources: 9/16/12 Mass homily, 9/16/12 Angelus, 9/17/12 departure ceremony, all in Beirut, Lebanon)