Pope Benedict Meets Newly-Appointed Cardinals, Describes Lebanon's Visit as 'Joyful'
Pope Benedict XVI saluted on Monday the Lebanese people, expressing joy for visiting the country on September 14.
“I was glad I had the opportunity to visit Lebanon and the Church in the Middle East,” Benedict said during a meeting with the newly-appointed cardinals.
He called for peace in the Middle East and the world, urging Christians to raise the mission of peace and forgiveness.
The pope formally elevated on Saturday Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi and five other prelates at a ceremony that was held at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, bestowing red hats and gold rings on them.
His choice to elevate al-Rahi is seen by observers as a sign of Vatican support for religious diversity in Lebanon, which Benedict said was a "model" for the region during a three-day visit in September.
The pope signed during his visit to Lebanon the Apostolic Exhortation.
Benedict has called for peaceful coexistence between Islam and Christianity and has said Christians should stay in the Middle East despite rising Islamism.
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