Lebanon’s Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops Call for Peace Amid Escalating Middle East Violence

As violence intensifies across the Middle East, the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon has issued a renewed appeal for peace, warning that continued escalation threatens human dignity and the stability of the region.

In a statement released on March 5, the Church leaders expressed “deep concern over the current situation and over the risk that the region may slide into wider confrontations with grave consequences for its peoples.”

The bishops highlighted the growing suffering of civilians, particularly innocent victims and families forced to flee their homes as the conflict continues to intensify. They stressed that the humanitarian consequences of the violence are worsening, leaving many communities struggling with displacement, insecurity, and hardship.

Reflecting on the moral dimension of the crisis, the bishops warned that “the continuation of this spiral of violence threatens the dignity of the human person, which is a gift from God, and undermines the foundations of justice and stability.”

Quoting Pope Leo XIV's words, “Violence is never the right choice, and we must always choose the good,” they emphasized that peace must not be treated as a temporary or secondary option, but rather as “a human duty and a collective responsibility.”

For this reason, the Church leaders called for “an immediate halt to the spiral of violence and a return to constructive dialogue and responsible diplomatic action,” grounded in the pursuit of the common good and respect for the dignity of all peoples.

Call for National Unity in Lebanon

Describing Lebanon as “the land of message and coexistence,” the bishops also addressed the country’s political authorities. They urged leaders to assume their national responsibilities and safeguard internal unity in order to strengthen civil peace.

The assembly encouraged all communities and political actors to support the Lebanese state and its institutions. In particular, they stressed that weapons must remain under the authority of the state, saying this principle is essential “to preserve state sovereignty, reinforce national stability, and avoid tampering with the destiny of the nation.”

Appeal to the International Community

The bishops also directed their message to the international community, urging global institutions to intensify efforts to prevent further escalation and to seek just and lasting solutions.

They emphasized that any sustainable peace must be rooted in justice and respect for the dignity and rights of all peoples.

Addressing the faithful and “all people of goodwill,” the bishops encouraged solidarity with those suffering from the effects of war. They called on communities to assist those who remain in their villages despite the dangers and to continue praying for peace in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.

They also renewed their call to welcome displaced civilians, reminding Christians that hospitality toward those forced to flee their homes is deeply rooted in the Gospel. Quoting the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, the bishops wrote: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Concluding their message, the Church leaders entrusted Lebanon, the Middle East, and the entire world to Divine Providence, praying that God may grant reconciliation and lasting peace to a troubled world.