Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lebanese priest Father Pierre El Rahi, who was killed during the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon, and called on Christians around the world to pray for peace in the Middle East.
Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope remembered the priest as a devoted pastor who gave his life while trying to help others. He also invited the faithful to continue praying for peace in Iran and across the wider Middle East, especially for civilians who are suffering because of the war.
Pope said many innocent people, including children, have become victims of violence and asked that prayers bring comfort to those who are suffering and offer hope for the future.
Father Pierre El Rahi was the Maronite parish priest in the village of Qlayaa in southern Lebanon, an area that has recently been affected again by the violence of war. According to local reports, the priest was killed on Monday while trying to help parishioners whose home had been struck during an Israeli tank attack.
Reports say Father El Rahi rushed to the house along with several young people after hearing that residents had been injured. While they were assisting those inside, the tank fired again at the same house. The priest was seriously wounded in the attack and later died in a nearby hospital.
During the audience, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the meaning of the priest’s surname, explaining that in Arabic El Rahi means shepherd. He said Father Pierre truly lived this calling, staying close to his people and serving them with the love and sacrifice of Jesus the Good Shepherd.
Pope noted that the priest did not hesitate when he heard that members of his community had been hurt. Instead, he immediately went to help them despite the danger.
Praying for the late priest, Pope asked that the blood he shed may become a seed of peace for Lebanon, a country that has endured many years of conflict and instability.
Earlier this week, the Holy See Press Office also released a statement saying that Pope Leo XIV is praying for an end to the violence in the Middle East. The statement said Pope is deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives, including children and those who try to care for them, and especially by the death of Father Pierre El Rahi.