Pope in Lebanon: Patriarch of Jerusalem

(Vatican Radio) Final preparations are underway for Pope Benedict XVI’s pilgrimage to Lebanon, where he will present his Exhortation to the Church in the region after the special assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, told Vatican Radio that, especially in the wake of disappointments following the violent turn the so-called “Arab Spring” has taken in many different places, the Christians of the Middle East await the Holy Father’s message of hope. "I am sure that his visit will encourage us," said the Patriarch, adding, "[The Pope] will for sure deliver a [message] not only for Lebanon but for all the Middle East, for all the Christians and the Muslims." Patriarch Twal went on to say, "We are awaiting[.]" Listen to Patriarch Fouad Twal's extended coversation with Vatican Radio's Tracey McClure: