Pope's Visit to Lebanon: Hope and Unmet Expectations

Lebanon, a small nation with a significant Christian population, is currently facing a mix of hope and frustration. The country's economic and security challenges have been ongoing for years. Recently, a drone strike in Beirut killed a high-ranking member of Hezbollah, adding to the tension. Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon has sparked different reactions among the locals. While some see it as a source of encouragement and strength, others feel let down by the limited scope of his visit. Father Fadi El Mir, who is in charge of the papal visit logistics, believes the Pope's message will inspire the church to be more active in society. He has seen firsthand the struggles of Lebanese people, including those who have fled to France to escape the dire situation back home. Father Fadi has experienced the dangers of his mission, including being shot at while managing a school in Tyre. Despite the risks, he remains committed to his work. He attributes any religious tensions in Lebanon to political factors rather than community issues. The ongoing conflict with Israel has affected both Christian and Muslim villages, leaving many feeling abandoned. In southern Lebanon, the Tyre district is home to historical Christian sites, including the village of Canna, where Jesus is believed to have performed his first miracle. Today, Christians are a minority in Canna, and the nearby village of Alma al-Chaab is the only 100% Christian community left in the district. The village has suffered significant damage from Israeli airstrikes, leaving many homes and infrastructure destroyed. Mayor Chadi Sayah of Alma al-Chaab has been working to rebuild the village with limited support from the state or the church. He expresses his love for Lebanon but feels that the state and the church should reciprocate that love by providing more assistance. Sayah has written a letter to Pope Leo, hoping his visit would bring strength and recognition to the struggling community. However, many villagers, including Sayah, will not attend the Pope's events and instead will focus on replanting trees destroyed during the war.