Leader of Pontifical Missionary Societies: Lebanon is experiencing the last Stations of the Cross:

“First of all, it is necessary to know that Lebanon is experiencing the last Stations of the Cross since 2019,” said Father Roufayel Zgheib, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the country, referring to the war currently being fought between Israel. and Hezbollah.

In a recent interview given to EWTN Newsthe priest describes how the conflict in the Middle East has escalated, reaching Lebanon, which since 2019 has faced a devastating economic collapse, the COVID-19 crisis, the Beirut port explosion and, most recently, the war in Gaza and the south of the country. According to Sister Maya El Beaino, religious of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, some 9,000 Christians in three towns in southern Lebanon are in constant danger because of the war.

“We have lost 100 times the value of our currency, there has been an enormous devaluation… On a psychological level we are exhausted and above all there is fear about tomorrow,” said the priest.

Father Zgheib points out that uncertainty hangs over the population daily. The Lebanese are not only facing a bleak economic outlook, but also the anguish of not knowing what the future holds. “There is no future… this war crucifies us,” adds the priest.

However, in the midst of the storm, faith has become the pillar that sustains many, especially Christians. “The Christian people cling to faith, to hope… we are waiting for the resurrection,” said Father Zgheib. The Church in Lebanon, known as “the Church of hope,” keeps the flame of hope alive in the midst of what he describes as “the silence of death.”

In addition to strengthening the faith of believers, the Church has taken an active role in supporting the most vulnerable. Father Zgheib explains how the Catholic community has responded to the crisis through hospitality and solidarity. “Almost a million refugees have escaped from southern Lebanon, in addition to two million Syrian refugees and 400,000 Palestinians… people are seeking to show solidarity,” he says.

Parishes and local communities have organized to collect food, clothing and other essential goods, providing not only spiritual, but also material shelter to those affected.

Despite the efforts of the Church, Fr. Zgheib stressed the urgency of international support. The crisis has overloaded hospitals and basic needs have become pressing. “We need support for the hospitals, because they are suffering right now… and we also need food rations and everything that can sustain the refugees who have escaped from their villages,” he emphasized.

The priest concluded the interview with a clear message: “peace is the deepest desire of the Lebanese people.” “All people want peace, a lasting and just peace… we need to pray for a true and lasting peace.”

Father Zgheib’s call is not only to take action, but also to unite the world in prayer: “Pray for us,” he urgently requested.