– Cindy Wooden, papal flight, CNS
The stories of Christians and Muslims helping each other in Lebanon when their villages were destroyed offer the lesson that “perhaps we should be a little less fearful and look for ways to promote a genuine dialogue and respect,” the Pope told reporters on December 2 during his flight back to Rome from Lebanon.
Often, fear of Muslims in the West is “generated by people who oppose immigration and who try to exclude those who may be from another country, another religion, another race,” he said. “In that sense, I would say we all need to work together.”.
Pope Leo left Rome for Turkey on November 27 and traveled to Lebanon on November 30. Yesterday, on his way home from Beirut, he spent more than 25 minutes on the plane answering questions from journalists, which you can watch in full. here.
In search of sustainable peace in the Middle East
After his repeated calls throughout the trip to end violence in the Middle East, violence that includes attacks on Israel by Hezbollah militants and attacks on Lebanon by Israel against the militants, Pope Leo, who was born in the United States, was asked if he would “use his connections” with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to promote peace in the region.
“I believe that sustainable peace is achievable,” said the Pope. “In fact, I have already begun, on a small scale, some conversations with some leaders from the places you mentioned,” he told the journalist.
However, the Vatican's diplomatic efforts are mainly carried out “behind the scenes,” he said. The important thing is that those involved in armed conflicts silence their weapons and sit down at the same table to negotiate peace.
Ukraine: revisions to the initial plan
On the issue of Ukraine and the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which was drawn up without input from European NATO members, Pope Leo said he was happy to see that revisions were already being made to the plan to include Europe's concerns.
Venezuela: “calm the situation,” dialogue
When asked about the current tensions between Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Pope Leo said that the Vatican is in contact with “the bishops and the nuncio” to try to find ways “to calm the situation,” especially since those who suffer most are the ordinary citizens of Venezuela.
However, Pope Leo also pointed out that “the voices coming from the United States are changing,” alternating between ultimatums to Maduro and occasional softening of rhetoric.
“I don't know any more,” said the Pope, but it is always better to seek the path of dialogue.
Promoting understanding and respect
In response to another question about dialogue and friendship, Pope Leo said that his episcopal motto, “In Illo Uno Unum,” literally “In the One, we are one,” is an obvious reference to the unity found in faith in Christ.
But it is also “an invitation to all of us and to others to say: ‘The more we can promote authentic unity and understanding, respect, and human relationships—that is, friendship and dialogue in the world—the greater the possibility that we will put aside the weapons of war,’” said the Pope.
When people learn to “let go of the mistrust, hatred, and animosity that has so often been created,” he said, “we will find ways to unite and we will be able to promote authentic peace and justice.”.
The conclave: “Lord, You are in charge. Everything is in God's hands.”
Regarding the conclave that elected him on May 8, the Pope said that he maintains “very strict” secrecy regarding the electoral process.
The day before the conclave began, he said, a journalist stopped him on the street and asked him what he thought about people saying he was a candidate.
“I simply said, ‘Everything is in God's hands,’ and I believe that deeply,» said the Pope.
Pope Leo XIII said that those who want to understand him should read the book “The Practice of the Presence of God” by an author known simply as Brother Lorenzo. This book has influenced his spirituality for years, he said. The premise is: “one simply surrenders one's life to the Lord and allows Him to guide.”.
“Amidst great challenges, living in Peru during years of terrorism, being called to serve in places I never thought I would be called to serve, I trust in God,” he said.
“When I saw how things were going in the conclave,” he said, «I took a deep breath. I said, ”Here we go, Lord. You are in charge and guide the way.‘’.
People «want to see Jesus Christ.” and “a messenger of peace”
As for the crowds that gather in Rome and participate in the journey, Pope Leo said he knows they come to see him, “but I say to myself: ‘They are here because they want to see Jesus Christ and they want to see a messenger of peace.’”.
The enthusiasm, especially among young people, “is impressive,” he said, “and I just hope I never tire of appreciating it.”.
Your next trip, Africa, including Algeria
Regarding future papal trips, he said that nothing is “certain” yet, but he hopes that his next trip will be to Africa, including Algeria, where St. Augustine served as bishop and where he is still “highly respected as a son of the nation.”.
“Just to confirm,” he said, “Africa. Africa. Africa.”.
There were rumors that he would travel to Peru, where he had served as a missionary and bishop for 20 years, and to Argentina and Uruguay, countries that Pope Francis had promised to visit. “But the plan is not yet finalized,” he said.
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