Hawzah News Agency- Welcoming the Pope on behalf of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council and Lebanon’s Shiite community, Sheikh Al-Khatib said:
“We appreciate your visit to our wounded country in this sensitive moment. We value your humane positions in support of Lebanon, and we greet you with the greetings of Islam—a faith that believes in Prophet Jesus (PBUH) as a Messenger, a bearer of good tidings, and a guide.”
Lebanon: Not a Country on the Margins, but a Message to the World
Addressing the Pope before a diverse audience of religious and social figures, Sheikh Al-Khatib noted that Lebanon’s tragedy—caused by repeated “Israeli” attacks and internal political paralysis—has not erased its historic spiritual role.
“Lebanon, despite its wounds, has always been regarded by the Vatican as not a country on the margins of history, but a message for the world. We hope your visit will open doors toward restoring our shaken national unity and protecting this homeland from further aggression and fragmentation.”
He emphasized that the continuous “Israeli” assaults on Lebanese civilians and territory require decisive moral and international solidarity.
Islamic Principles: Equality, Dignity, and True Interfaith Partnership
In a strongly worded reaffirmation of Islamic teachings on coexistence, Al-Khatib declared:
“Our spiritual culture is based on human brotherhood. We draw this from the principles of Islam, which do not differentiate between human beings. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: ‘There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab except through piety.’”
He added that Imam Ali’s universal humanism remains a model for genuine coexistence:
“People are of two types—your brothers in faith or your equals in creation.”
Al-Khatib stressed that differences among people are part of human nature, and that relations between religions must rest on dialogue, mutual recognition, cooperation in righteousness, and peaceful coexistence.
“What is committed in the name of religion—the fabricated wars and sectarian violence—does not represent the essence of any true faith,” he said. “Religion is founded on the sanctity and dignity of the human being.”
Resistance: A Forced Duty, Not a Choice
Touching on Lebanon’s political deadlock and security challenges, Sheikh Al-Khatib said the Shiite community has long supported the formation of a functional national government.
But in its absence, Lebanon was compelled to defend itself:
“We do not seek conflict, nor are we interested in carrying weapons or sacrificing our children. But the occupation invaded our land, and we had no choice but to resist.”
He added that resistance, in this context, is “a defensive necessity imposed by aggression,” not a political preference.
A Call for International Responsibility
Sheikh Al-Khatib urged the Pope to use the Vatican’s global influence to help Lebanon overcome its intertwined crises, especially the ongoing “Israeli” violations and their devastating impact.
“We place the cause of Lebanon in your hands, in light of the international possibilities at your disposal, in the hope that the world will help this country emerge from its accumulated crises.”
The meeting concluded with expressions of hope that enhanced Muslim-Christian cooperation—rooted in justice, equality, and shared humanity—could serve as a foundation for Lebanon’s national recovery and stability.
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