Benedict XVI Pleads for "Autonomous" Lebanon

Zenit News Agency ^ | November 23, 2006

[NYer]

BEIRUT, Lebanon, NOV. 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI pleaded for an "autonomous and ever more fraternal" Lebanon in a message read during the funeral of slain Christian politician Pierre Gemayel.

In the message, read in French by a priest, the Pope said: "We are all harshly stricken by an unspeakable act" and asked "the Lord to receive in the dwelling of his Kingdom he who committed himself in public life to the service of his country and his Lebanese brothers."

The Holy Father's words resounded during the funeral, presided over by Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir, patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites, in St. Georges Cathedral.

Gemayel, 34, the country's industry minister, was assassinated Tuesday.

The papal message affirmed: "I hope that all the Lebanese will be particularly sympathetic to one another in these circumstances and that they will commit themselves in a renewed manner to the building of an autonomous and ever more fraternal Lebanon, assuring the active participation of all its members in the national society."

[NYer]

Reuters - Thu Nov 23, 9:10 AM ET

French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy (R) attends the funeral of Lebanon's Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel in Beirut November 23, 2006. Gemayel, an outspoken critic of Syria, was assassinated near Beirut on Tuesday. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (LEBANON)

A general view of Lebanese protesters gathered during the funeral of prominent anti-Syrian Christian politician Pierre Gemayel, at the Martyrs square, in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday

Reuters - Thu Nov 23, 7:20 AM ET

Joyce Gemayel (R), mother of assassinated Industry Minister Pierre Gemayel, comforts her daughter-in-law Patricia during his funeral in Beirut November 23, 2006. Gemayel, an outspoken critic of Syria, was assassinated near Beirut on Tuesday. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (LEBANON)

[NYer]

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[Biggirl]

Thank-you for your updates on this horrible situation and its aftermath over in Lebanon. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving Day.