An appeal "to work relentlessly for reconciliation, for a truly sincere dialogue, for peaceful cohabitation and for the good of a nation that is deeply felt as our own". It was made by the Pope yesterday, along with the Maronite Patriarch and all the Lebanese Bishops, after saying the Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square. "I am following with great concern said the Pontiff the persisting signs of tension in Lebanon. For nearly three months, the country has not been able to have a Head of State". According to Benedict XVI, "the efforts made to settle this crisis and the support provided by many important leaders of the international community, even if they have delivered no results yet, show there’s a will to find a President who will be such for all the Lebanese and thus lay the foundation to overcome the existing divisions". Unfortunately, though, complained the Pope, "reasons for concern are not missing, especially because of unusual verbal abuse from those who even confide in the strength of weapons and in the physical elimination of their opponents. Hence the appeal to peace and reconciliation, to all the "population", "especially to the politicians".
