MP Salim Sayegh on Wednesday urged Lebanon to “rediscover its true self,” saying Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to Beirut highlighted the need for Lebanese to reconnect with their national identity and engage in honest dialogue free from political theatrics.

Speaking to Voice of Lebanon and VDL24, Sayegh said the Pope’s message carried a clear call for unity.

“He reminded us of the importance of being authentically Lebanese—drawing from the best moments in our modern history and listening to a wide range of opinions and perspectives, away from the public spotlight,” he said.

Sayegh added that the Pope’s appeal for peace was firmly grounded in the country’s current circumstances.

“The Holy Father’s call to build the foundations of peace didn’t come out of thin air. It reflects the reality we’re living and the moral values shared by all monotheistic faiths,” he said.

The MP said Lebanon has long lacked a coherent political roadmap.
“We’ve always said we need a real path toward peace. The Pope understood the Lebanese people and what they’re asking for, and that starts with all of us sitting down together,” he said.

Sayegh argued that true leadership requires “vision and courage,” insisting that political leaders must move beyond rigid, outdated mindsets.

“Leadership means rising above the self. It’s not about staying stuck in backward or stagnant thinking,” he said.

He noted that the interfaith dialogue session held in downtown Beirut during the Pope’s visit was meant to underscore the urgency of political engagement.

“It was a clear signal that we can’t afford to waste time or miss major opportunities,” Sayegh said. “This dialogue should empower the Lebanese state so it can begin negotiations with Israel to put an end to the conflicts that have brought so much tragedy to Lebanon. We hold the strongest bargaining chip—Lebanon’s internal resilience—and that’s exactly what the Pope spoke about.”

Sayegh also welcomed recent comments from Ali Al-Khateeb, head of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, who said Shiites are not inclined toward carrying weapons.

“We’ve heard hints of this before, but saying it publicly in front of the country’s highest spiritual authority is more than just an important statement—it’s a foundation to build on,” Sayegh said.

“No one in Lebanon wants to carry arms or live through war,” he added. “It’s the Lebanese state’s responsibility to commit to this path so we can focus on strengthening our relationships with one another.”