(ANSA) - VATICAN CITY, DEC 24 - The Pope launches an appeal to the international community to help Lebanon and announces that he will visit the country "as soon as possible".
"The affection for the dear Lebanese people, whom I expect to visit as soon as possible, combined with the constant concern that animated the action of my predecessors and the Apostolic See, pushes me to turn once again to the international community. Let us help Lebanon to remain free of regional tensions. Let us help him to get out of the severe crisis and to recover ", writes Pope Francis in the letter to the Lebanese people on the occasion of Christmas.
The letter is addressed to Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, President of the assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon and "to all Lebanese, regardless of community and religious affiliation".
(HANDLE).
