Pope Benedict XVI appeals for dialogue and reconciliation in Lebanon

(Feb. 18, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI has appealed to the citizens and politicians of Lebanon to find a solution to the country's dangerous power vacuum and worsening internal strife. Speaking after his traditional Sunday noontime ‘Angelus’ prayer and blessing in St. Peter's Square, the Pope expressed concern for the confrontational rhetoric and violent clashes that have become commonplace in Lebanon, a country entrenched in a long-running political crisis that has left it without a president and its parliament paralyzed. Lebanon is embroiled in its worst political crisis since the end of the 1975-90 civil war. Parliament has been deadlocked for months over the election of a new president, divided between the U.S.-backed majority and the pro-Syrian opposition led by the militant Shiite Hezbollah group. Clashes between supporters of the two sides have become common in recent weeks. Pope Benedict called on the faithful to join him and Lebanon's clergy in prayer, to encourage «the citizens of that dear nation, and especially the politicians, to work tenaciously for truly sincere dialogue and reconciliation, for peaceful coexistence and for the good of the country.» Before reciting the ‘Angelus’ Marian prayer Pope Benedict reflected briefly on Sunday’s Gospel reading of the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. He explained that Transfiguration is an event of prayer, close to God and away from the daily grind. While anticipating resurrection, he said, the transfiguration also presupposes death. In order to enter into eternal life, one must listen to Jesus and follow Him on the way of the cross, carrying the hope of the resurrection in one's heart as He did. In other words - 'Transfigured in hope'".