Beirut: Lebanon has asked the Holy See to help protect the Christian presence in the southern part of the country as the region faces renewed violence and instability along the border with Israel.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi made the appeal during a phone conversation with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. The discussion was confirmed by Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.
Raggi said the two officials discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the difficult situation in the border villages in the south. Many communities in these areas have been affected by ongoing conflict and repeated bombardments, forcing families to leave their homes and creating a growing humanitarian crisis.
In a message shared on social media, the foreign minister said he asked the Holy See to intervene and mediate in order to help preserve the Christian presence in the southern villages. He noted that the residents of these communities have long supported the Lebanese state and its official military institutions and have remained committed to their country.
According to Raggi, Archbishop Gallagher assured him that the Holy See is maintaining diplomatic contacts aimed at stopping the escalation of violence in Lebanon and preventing people from being displaced from their land. The archbishop also conveyed prayers and solidarity from the Pope for the Lebanese people during this difficult time.
Tensions in southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks, leaving many civilians living in fear and uncertainty. The situation turned more tragic earlier this week when Maronite Catholic priest Father Pierre El Rahi was killed in the town of Qlayaa while helping parishioners whose home had been hit by a tank shell.
Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the priest’s death and prayed for all innocent victims of the conflict, including children and those assisting people affected by the violence. He also called for an immediate end to hostilities.
The Pope visited Lebanon and Türkiye in December 2025 during his first apostolic journey abroad. During that visit, he spoke about the challenges faced by Christians in the region and lamented the growing displacement of Christian communities from the country.
Lebanon is home to the largest Christian community in the Middle East. During his visit, Pope Leo encouraged Christians in the country to continue their mission of building what he described as a civilization of love and peace despite the difficulties they face.