The letter warmly recalls Pope John Paul II’s famous description of Lebanon as “more than a country—a message,” emphasizing its role as a meeting point for religions, cultures, and civilizations. Hezbollah reiterated that Lebanon remains a living bridge connecting East and West, Islam and Christianity, even in the midst of regional turmoil.
Beyond the welcome, the message carries a strong political tone. Hezbollah pointed to a global crisis caused by “the disregard for human rights,” warning that this neglect has fueled domination and violence worldwide. The letter devoted significant space to the ongoing tragedies in Palestine and Lebanon, describing events in Gaza as “clear genocide” and Israeli actions in Lebanon as “unacceptable aggression” driven by Zionist expansionism and backed by major powers that openly flout the rights of the region’s peoples.
At the same time, the movement reaffirmed its commitment to consensual democracy, internal security, coexistence, and resistance against any form of occupation or foreign interference that threatens Lebanon’s sovereignty. In a remarkable passage, Hezbollah highlighted common ground between Muslims and Christians, describing the followers of Jesus Christ as “messengers of love and defenders of human rights.”
The letter concluded with a direct appeal to the Pope: during his visit, to clearly reject Israeli injustice and aggression and to stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon. “This is the message we entrust to you during your visit,” it reads, “a visit in which you express your concern, love, and solidarity with all Lebanese… We pray for your comfort and safety and ask God to grant justice, security, and peace to the oppressed around the world.”
Pope Leo XIV, whose regional tour began in Turkey, arrives in Lebanon today (Sunday). Giant billboards featuring side-by-side portraits of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the Pope—under the Arabic slogan “Lebanon is a bridge of peace with Papa Islam”—already line the roads from Beirut’s airport to the capital.
Whether this unprecedented outreach will open new channels of dialogue or remains a symbolic gesture amid continuing conflict, one thing is certain: in a Middle East burning with tension, Lebanon’s ancient promise of coexistence has once again captured the world’s attention.
✒️Sajjadali Nayani
