Gemayel Says Papal Visit to Denounce Extremism

Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel considered on Saturday that the visit of Pope Benedict XVl to Lebanon is to denounce extremism.

“The pope's statements reject violence,” Gemayel said in comments to LBCI.

He pointed out that the papal visit is a call on Christians and Muslims to engage in dialogue, and to stress on Lebanon's role in the region as the center for all civilizations.

“This visit is the first positive event in Lebanon since a very long time,” Gemayel added.

The 85-year-old pontiff, urged Middle Eastern Christians and Muslims on Saturday to forge a harmonious, pluralistic society in which the dignity of each person is respected and the right to worship in peace is guaranteed.

Speaking to political and religious leaders on the second day of a three-day trip to Lebanon, he stressed that people must repudiate vengeance, acknowledge their own faults and offer forgiveness to each other.

Benedict noted that Christians and Muslims have lived side by side in the Middle East for centuries and that there is room for a pluralistic society.