Pope expresses concern over continued political crisis in Lebanon

Published: 2008-02-18

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an apparent reference to political assassinations in Lebanon, Pope Benedict XVI warned that some groups support "the physical elimination of adversaries." The pope spoke Feb. 17, three days after rival factions in Lebanon clashed in demonstrations marking the third anniversary of the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and backers of the militant Islamic group Hezbollah thronged the streets for the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Imad Mughniyeh. The pope, who spoke at his Sunday blessing, a day after completing a weeklong Lenten retreat, said he was worried that Lebanon's protracted political crisis has left it without a head of state since November. Despite stated intentions and international support, the country has not yet been able to resolve the impasse and choose someone who will be "a president for all Lebanese," he said.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .