Head of Melkite Greek Catholic Church awaiting the Pope

(September 03, 2012) Peace is a blessing for all of us. This is why the visit of the Pope is very important. It’s a message of peace for Lebanon but particularly for Syria, said the head of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Patriarch Gregory III Laham of Antioch. Speaking to Vatican Radio about Pope Benedict XVI’s Sept. 14-16 visit to Lebanon, the patriarch whose headquarters are in Damascus, Syria, said, “Let’s not forget that in the past 18 months of conflict in Syria, the Holy Father has spoken some 15 times and in several other occasions, calling everyone to peace, dialogue and unity in Syria. Hence he said, Syria is also truly in the heart of the Holy Father. “We are really happy that the Holy Father is coming on a pilgrimage to this country which is a part of the Holy Land,” the patriarch said. Lebanon is a very welcoming country, despite the difficulties and fear, he added.