Tripoli's Sheikhs, and their perspective on the Pope's visit to Lebanon

From Tripoli’s mosques, Sunni religious figures welcomed the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Lebanon and from Syria Street and Bab el-Tebbaneh, they stressed that all the residents of the North, regardless of their religious sects, will participate in the welcoming ceremony of the Supreme Pontiff.     

In this regard, Sheikh Nabih Rahim told LBCI that the rejections of the Pope’s stances were based on “truncated and inaccurate Quran verses”, which makes Muslim Scholars refuse to adopt any position against his visit.      

Rahim considered that this visit is positive and will benefit all the Lebanese regardless of their sects, adding that the Lebanese are living in a country that is neither Muslim nor Christian and under a consensual civil state. He stressed that the Lebanese people’s only choice is to live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

For his part, Sheikh Walid Taboush told LBCI that the Pope is welcomed to visit Lebanon stressing that the visit is under the banner of Peace to the Lebanese and the Arab Orient.           

Sheikh Taboush called on the Christian leaders to deny what is said about the Christians being oppressed and persecuted and urged them to demonstrate the Lebanese specimen of cohabitation. "There is no fear with the presence of wise Christians", he added.       

The Sheikhs did not deny the Christian fears but considered that some exaggerate and harm other confessions.            

On the eve of the Pope's visit, political and religious leaderships in the North are working on calming the situation.

Many hoped for this truce to last after the Pope leaves Lebanon.

For the full LBCI report, please click on the video above