Catholic communities urged to support missionaries and join in prayer for peace
As Pope Leo XIV begins his Apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, Catholics worldwide are being invited to pray earnestly for the success of his mission – a mission rooted in bridge-building, compassion, and a plea for peace in a region strained by conflict.
Speaking beside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he urged leaders to become ‘sources of dialogue,’ reminding the world that the ‘future of humanity’ depends on pathways to peace.
His words echoed an earlier remark on the plane to Türkiye, where he told journalists that the Church’s presence on this journey aims to announce and proclaim the importance of peace, unity, and harmony, inviting all people to live as brothers and sisters despite differences.
A Journey Marked by History – and Present Suffering
From Türkiye, Pope Leo travels to Lebanon – a visit the Vatican has said will go ahead despite recent airstrikes on Beirut, which have left civilians shaken and humanitarian services stretched beyond capacity. The Holy Father will pray at the port of Beirut, honouring victims of the 2020 explosion, and meet young people and religious leaders, offering strength to a population of whom roughly a third are Christian.
Bishop César Essayan, Apostolic Vicar for Latin Rite Catholics in Lebanon, described the trip as ‘more than an institutional visit.’ He told Fides News that he sees it as
‘an important moment of consolation, truth, and awakening of conscience for Lebanon and the whole world.’
Missionaries Holding the Line of Hope
While the Pope’s diplomacy and presence draw the world’s attention, missionaries supported by Missio have been tirelessly serving communities under fire.
Fr Rouphael, former Missio National Director in Lebanon, described how even through the fear, pain and mistrust experienced, churches and schools opened their doors to people who had been displaced.
Despite recent ceasefires, attacks in the south of the country continue. Yet, amid ongoing suffering, missionaries continue to embody Christ’s love.
In places like Baalbek, the Sisters of the Forsaken Jesus continue to provide food, healthcare support, education assistance, and simple friendship to families who feel forgotten. Sr Jovanna explains that their weekly ‘Tuesday Meals’ offer not only nourishment, but dignity, companionship, and a reminder that no one is abandoned.
‘As long as we have food for ourselves,’ she says, ‘we will always share it – by God’s grace.’
Their steadfast presence mirrors Pope Leo’s hope that people of every faith and background will ‘be a part of promoting peace and unity throughout the world.’
In Lebanon’s Darkness, A Cry for Justice
The pressure on Lebanon is immense. Bishop Essayan told Fides that the Pope’s visit is hoped to be a decisive turning point: a global ‘cry for justice’ that will echo the pleas of ordinary Lebanese who feel forgotten.
Church communities on the ground testify daily to the suffering: children traumatised by rocket fire, families displaced from their homes, hospitals overwhelmed, and an economy that has left even working families unable to buy food.
But they also bear witness to profound hope.
Missionary sisters, priests, and lay workers continue to serve all who come to them, regardless of background or belief. Their witness proclaims the Gospel louder than words: no one is abandoned by God.
A Call to Prayer for Pope Leo’s Mission of Peace
This Advent Missio and the Church urge Catholics to unite in prayer for:
- Pope Leo XIV, that his mission in Türkiye and Lebanon may bear fruit in reconciliation and renewed hope.
- Missionaries, especially those serving in conflict zones, that they may remain strengthened in Christ.
- The peoples of Lebanon, Türkiye, Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and all places torn by violence.
- A world where peace is possible and where every human person can know God’s love.
Pope Leo has said that this journey seeks to invite the world to seek unity, harmony, and the conviction that humanity can live as brothers and sisters despite differences.
As he prays at the sites of ancient councils, bombed villages, holy shrines, and wounded cities, let us join him – imploring the Prince of Peace to heal this troubled region and our fractured world.
Support Missionaries Bringing Hope
Missio continues to support missionaries like Sr Jovanna and her community who are serving people in desperate need. Your prayers and generosity help sustain their vital work.
This Advent and Christmas please consider supporting Missio’s work and join us in praying for peace.
Holy Mary, Queen of Peace—pray for us.