Pope Francis asked Wednesday August 4, during his first general audience since the operation undergone in early July, "
concrete gestures
" for Lebanon, a year after the explosion at the port of Beirut, which killed 214 people.
Read also: Lebanon: the ghost districts of the port of Beirut still abandoned
"
Today, I am launching an appeal to the international community asking to help Lebanon to accomplish a path of resurrection with concrete gestures, not with words only
", he declared at the end of the meeting. general audience.
"
In this sense, I hope that the conference organized by France and the UN and which is currently underway
(on humanitarian aid in Lebanon, editor's note) will
be fruitful,
" added François.
The first general audience after the summer break
France is organizing a videoconference on Wednesday, under the aegis of President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, with representatives of around forty states and international organizations, the objective of which is to raise 350 million dollars for the Lebanese population.
The Pope, who underwent colon surgery in early July, appeared to be in good shape during this first general audience after the traditional break seen in July.
Read also: Pope Francis left the hospital after his operation
"
One year away from the terrible explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut, causing death and destruction, my thoughts are with this dear country, especially the victims, their families, the many injured and all those who have lost. their home and their work. And there are many who have also lost the illusion of living,
”added François. "
Dear Lebanese, my desire to come and visit you is great and I pray for you unceasingly so that Lebanon once again becomes a message of fraternity and peace for the entire Middle East
", concluded the Pope. A year after the deadly explosion, the country is stuck in the worst socio-economic crisis in its history.
