Introduction to the evening news 16-09-2012

He visited Lebanon, leaving behind him a storm of Christian faith revealed by the warm welcome and responsiveness with his positions whether in the Apostolic Exhortation, his sermons or his speeches.             

The Pope Benedict XVI launched his Exhortation under the title “Communion and Witness”, not only on the church in Lebanon but in the Middle East. Accordingly, this Exhortation became a “map” leading the Christians on the right path in the region.          

In this context, Pope Benedict XVI succeeded in opening the dialogue on the role of the Christians in the region under two conditions: Communion and Witness. Similarly, years ago, his predecessor Pope John Paul II succeeded in précising Lebanon’s role as “more than a country, Lebanon is a message”.               

On the other hand, Lebanon succeeded in ensuring a stable three-day journey for the Pope, despite fears and dangers.           

Even before the Pope’s plane took off, Lebanon started to return to its files and concerns, chief among which is what the Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Ali Jafari revealed regarding the presence of a number of troops from Iran’s elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria. “This does not mean that we have a military presence in the countries, however, we are there to give advice and opinions and to share our experiences”, Jafari explained.          

This position came as international envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi left Damascus after the first round of negotiations that took place in the Syrian capital and included President Bashar Assad and the joint leadership of the Free Syrian Army, via Skype.         

Meanwhile, protests continue throughout the world denouncing the anti-Islam film titled “Muslim Innocence”.            

Hezbollah Secretary General is expected to hold a speech and tackle the issue of this film.