Pope Leo concluded his mass in Beirut on Tuesday with a heartfelt appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging Christians of the Levant to remain steadfast amid ongoing instability, conflict, and suffering.

“During these days of my first apostolic journey undertaken during this jubilee year, I wanted to come as a pilgrim of hope to the Middle East, imploring God for the gift of peace for this beloved land marked by instability, wars and sufferings,” the Pope said in his final address.

Addressing local Christians, Pope Leo called on them to remain patient and hopeful despite slow progress toward peace.

“Dear Christians of the Levant, when the results of your efforts for peace are slow incoming, I invite you to lift your gaze to the Lord who is coming. Let us look to Him with hope and courage, inviting everyone to set out on the path of coexistence for eternity and peace. Be artisans of Peace, heralds of Peace, witnesses of Peace,” he said.

The Pope highlighted the urgent need for a shift in mindset across the region, warning against cycles of revenge and violence.

“The Middle East needs new approaches in order to reject the mindset of revenge and violence, to overcome political, social and religious divisions, and to open new chapters in the name of reconciliation and peace. The path of mutual hostility and destruction in the horror of war has been travelled too long with the deplorable results that are before everyone's eyes.”

He urged individuals and nations alike to educate their hearts for peace.

“We need to change course; we need to educate our hearts for peace. From this Square, I pray for the Middle East and all peoples who suffer because of war,” Pope Leo said, emphasizing Lebanon’s plight.

“I especially pray for beloved Lebanon. I ask the international community once again to spare no effort in promoting processes of dialogue and reconciliation and make a heartfelt appeal to those who hold political and social authority here and, in all countries marked by war and violence. Listen to the cry of your peoples who are calling for peace,” he added.

Pope Leo concluded his message by calling on all to serve the common good and the development of society.

“Let us all place ourselves at the service of life, the common good, and the integral development of people,” he said.

Turning once more to local Christians, he encouraged resilience.

“Finally, to you Christians of the Levant, citizens of these lands, I repeat: have courage! The whole church looks to you with affection and admiration. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Harissa, protect you always.”