From the Vatican to the Middle East

The Congregation for the Oriental Churches has issued today, a note explaining that the Cardinal Prefect of that Congregation, His Eminence, Leonardo Sandri will travel to Lebanon from May 24 to 28 of this year, and then will continue on to Jordan, where he will visit until June 1.

In addition to attending the Ordination of the new Maronite Bishops of Argentina and Australia, on Sunday, May 26 His Eminence will celebrate Mass at the Inter-ritual Shrine of Our Lady of Zahleh, assisted by the Melkite Archbishop and other Bishops of the Eastern Churches as well as members of the faithful belonging to those rites. The main intention of the prayer in this circumstance will be a plea for peace in Syria, in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. In the days following the celebration of this Mass, the Cardinal will meet the Maronite, Melkite, Syrian and Armenian Patriarchs, as well as some members of religious communities, especially young volunteers currently working with Caritas Lebanon, who are working with other humanitarian organizations to render assistance to those affected by the tragedy of refugees from Syria.

The visit to Jordan will also be devoted to meeting the pastors and faithful of the various Catholic communities, in particular with the Greek-Melkites of Petra and Philadelphia and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, whose territory extends to the entire country.  On Thursday, May 30, the Cardinal will attend the inauguration of the University of Malaba, which belongs to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.  Also expected to be in attendance at that inauguration is His Majesty, King Abdullah II of Jordan. 

Before returning to Rome, the Cardinal will visit the refugee camp where those from Syria and other Middle Eastern regions are currently living.

To everyone, both pastors and faithful, to those in places of Authority and to they people of Lebanon and Jordan, the Cardinal will bring the affectionate greeting of His Holiness, Pope Francis who is filled with anxiety and sharing the pain of these regions.  Through the presence of Cardinal Sandri, the Holy Father wishes to impart his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of his closeness in prayer and hope in the Lord for the entire area of the Middle Eastern countries.