The apostolic nuncio, recently appointed in Mexico, greets the country of cedars where he arrived in 2018. For the diplomat, coexistence is the basis of greatness and obstinate persistence in error, the greatest limitation. The loss of confidence of the international community. The knot of neutrality and the sovereignist parties.
Beirut () – Coexistence has always been the foundation of the greatness of Lebanon and its citizens. And the stubborn perseverance in error perhaps represents its greatest limitation. Between these two background observations, ‘ interview with the apostolic nuncio in Lebanon, Monsignor Jospeh Spiteri, takes place on the eve of his departure for Mexico, his new destination after the appointment of Pope Francis on July 7.
“Unfortunately, in the Taif agreement of 1989, which ended the civil war, each faction pursued its own personal gain,” explains the Maltese prelate, who has lived in the country of cedars since 2018. “And they still do not understand that in these 30 years they have destroyed the country and continue to do so”. The apostolic nuncio speaks with serene lucidity: due to widespread corruption and bad governance, Lebanon is going through one of the most serious economic crises of our time. And he regrets that As a result, the Lebanese state “has lost the confidence of the international community”.
“Now try to avoid it,” observes the diplomat. The international community now “gives aid directly to institutions, which are weakened by inflation.” This was the case with Qatar, which allocated a fund directly to the Lebanese army. And the same has happened with the Holy See, whose charities They directly help the network of Catholic schools, which guarantees education to about 25% of the Lebanese school population.
Monsignor Spiteri, many think that the Pope postponed the visit because he would not support the campaign for the international neutrality of Lebanon and because of criticism of a Maronite clergy that supposedly lives in luxury, compared to the faithful who live in penury. What do you think about all this?
Of course, Pope Francis spares no criticism of the clergy. Addressing the new cardinals recently, he asked that they not enter the game of titles and honors when they are called “eminence,” but rather stay close to the little ones. The pontiff also regularly denounces clericalism and worldliness. But the Pope’s criticisms are general. And each one is called to make his own examination of conscience.
Secondly, regarding neutrality, it should be noted that this term does not appear in any document of the Holy See. Because in the context in which it is used, this term is perceived as directed against Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah, like all Lebanese parties, defines itself as “sovereignist” and its opinion cannot be excluded from the internal dialogue at all.
On the other hand, we also know that neutrality is one of the foundations of the national pact that sustains Lebanon, which is “neither East nor West.” In a sense, the country is East and West at the same time. Openness is inherent in Lebanon’s DNA. We must continue with this logic, but redefine it on new bases. But beware: “The future will only be peaceful if it is in common,” the Pope recalled during the Day of Prayer for Lebanon held at the Vatican on July 1, 2021, in the presence of the Eastern Patriarchs.
During the day, the Pope also said that “Lebanon, with its unique experience of peaceful coexistence, cannot be left to the mercy of fate. Do you consider that this “peaceful coexistence” is applied in practice today??
Pope John Paul II said that coexistence in Lebanon is “a message, a model of freedom and tolerance.” Of freedom, and this we tend to forget. This is the experience of Lebanon, even before Greater Lebanon. In Lebanon, freedom is breathed. Mount Lebanon has always been a refuge for persecuted minorities. The brotherhood remains. Without fraternity, freedom and equality lose their value.
However, I believe that the Church has not done enough to make young people aware of this historical heritage, to prepare them to participate in politics – which Paul VI considered “the most noble task”. Unfortunately, the space has been occupied for decades by the same people. And there are no prospects for change on the horizon.
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