Lebanese delegation leaves Rome peace summit disappointed

Published: 2006-07-27

ROME (CNS) -- The Lebanese delegation to the Rome conference on peace in the Middle East left disappointed with the international community, but grateful to the Vatican and to Catholics praying for peace. After attending the conference, Tarek Mitri, an Orthodox Christian and Lebanese culture minister, joined the lay Community of Sant'Egidio July 26 for its daily evening prayer at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. After the prayer, he told Sant'Egidio members, "I came to Rome with my prime minister to participate in this important meeting of solidarity and in search for a resolution to this conflict. "We came looking for peace, but it did not happen," he said. "So, I came here to pray with you, seeking peace in our souls, because without peace in our souls, we will not find peace in the world," Mitri said. "At a time when my country is shattered, when Israel is trying to destroy my country, we count on your prayers," he said. "Once again, we will rebuild our country, but we need the support of a spiritual force, which comes with prayer."

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