Pope Benedict XVI boards an airplane at the end of his three-day visit to Beirut, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. (The Daily Star/Hasan Shaaban)

The Daily Star, Lebanon

BEIRUT: Pope Benedict XVI called on all Lebanese to reject strife and work for unity as he wrapped up an historic three-day visit, which included an open-air Mass that drew hundreds of thousands of people to Beirut’s Waterfront. “I pray to God for Lebanon, that she may live in peace and courageously resist all that could destroy or undermine that peace,” the pope said during farewell remarks at Rafik Hariri International Airport.

“I hope that Lebanon will fortify the communion among all her inhabitants, whatever their community or religion, that she will resolutely reject all that could lead to disunity, and with determination choose brotherhood,” Benedict added.

Touching on the country’s diverse cultures and faiths, the pontiff praised Lebanon’s diverse sectarian system, which he said was unique.

Read more: http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Sep-17/188205-pope-sends-farewell-message-of-unity.ashx#ixzz26hQOTv6S
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)