Pope Leo XIV affirmed that he is “closer than ever” to the Lebanese people, stressing that their protection is “a moral duty.”

Addressing crowds in St. Peter’s Square after the Regina Caeli prayer, the Pope said he is “closer than ever, in these days of sorrow and fear, yet also of hope that cannot be overcome through God, to the beloved Lebanese people.” He added that “protecting civilians from the devastating effects of war is a moral obligation.”