(Sept. 11, 2012 )"The approach of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon from 14-16
September, has raised the spirits of Syrian refugees and Lebanese people. The Pope's
presence at such a tragic time is a sign of hope for thousands of refugees, who
are crossing the border but also for those who receive him,” said Fr Simon Faddoul,
the president of Caritas Lebanon. The priest, who has been involved in helping Syrian
refugees pouring into the Beqaa Valley in the north said "knowing that the pontiff
is praying for and suffering with us in this painful situation of war, is encouraging
Christians and the local Church to be a witness and bear Christ's message of peace
among those who have lost everything and have no hope." Officially, there are some
41,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon, however, Caritas puts the number at more than 120,000.
Fr Faddoul said "Most of the refugees have lost everything - home, family and work,
now their main problem is survival.” Experts note that the Syrian regime and the
rebel Free Syrian Army are fighting a war of attrition that will likely last longer
than thought. Fr Faddoul said the Lebanese Church and Caritas will be encouraged
by Benedict XVI's visit, who is coming to Lebanon as a messenger of peace and reconciliation
between Alawi and Sunni Muslims." In Sunday’s Angelus message the pope had expressed
his closeness to the peoples of the Middle East.