Pope Leo has sent a message of Easter consolation to Christians in southern Lebanon as violence along the border with Israel continues to affect civilian communities, including the predominantly Christian village of Debel.
The message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, was delivered by Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, after a planned visit to the village was prevented by ongoing hostilities.
The nuncio had intended to travel to Debel on Easter Day with a humanitarian convoy carrying aid organised by Caritas, Œuvre d’Orient and the Maronite Patriarchate, but was forced to remain at a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) base in Deir Kifa due to security concerns.
