Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, laments the death and destruction caused by Israeli attacks on the country, and calls for dialogue to promote peace, in an interview with Vatican News.
By Salvatore Cernuzio “There has never been an attack like this. They say that in 10 minutes there were 10 almost simultaneous strikes… A very large number of Israeli warplanes were used. The press speaks of about fifty, but that still needs to be verified,” said Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, in an interview with Vatican News on Wednesday, April 8. “The number of deaths will need to be updated because many may still be under the rubble,” he continued. On Wednesday, Israel carried out air strikes across Lebanon, causing at least 182 deaths and hundreds of injuries. A two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran had been announced the day before, but Israel said it did not extend to Lebanon and its conflict with Hezbollah. Archbishop Borgia was on a mission for over 10 hours with the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Raï, in the southeastern areas of the country to bring aid and closeness to people of all religions. Speaking to Vatican News over the phone, however, the Nunzio says he is “not at all tired,” at least not spiritually, as he emphasized the need to keep hope alive in order to bring it to others. Q: Your Excellency, what is happening in Beirut? Archbishop Borgia: All day, we were accompanied by mortar fire due to clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. We saw this all day long. Now there is heavy traffic, the city is congested, there are sirens and ambulances in the center—Beirut is in turmoil. Israeli raids are still ongoing. According to Israeli media, they are expected to continue at this intensity for 48 hours. We will have to see how the situation evolves. Q: All this is happening after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had announced on Tuesday his support for a two-week truce between the United States and Iran, which, however, excluded Lebanon. I understand that these are two different situations, though connected. On one hand, Iran is linked to Hezbollah, but on the other, Hezbollah represents a separate problem for Israel. However, it is strongly desirable that there be a ceasefire here and the start of negotiations to stabilize Lebanon in relation to Israel. The conflict situation is not easy and only increases divisions, while spreading death and destruction. As is known, Israel seeks the disarmament of Hezbollah, and this goal has not been achieved. A truce would reopen the door to diplomacy. Moreover, Lebanese authorities—particularly the President of the Republic—have repeatedly called for direct negotiations with Israel to reach a solution to the ongoing war. In any case, I believe the path remains the one indicated by Pope Leo XIV during the Angelus on March 15, in which he asked the parties to undertake “avenues for dialogue” that can “support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.” Q: What solution can there be for the country? Always keep working for peace and to find solutions even when they don’t seem available. War is bringing destruction, death, many displaced people, and many painful and difficult situations. Perhaps everyone should understand that this is not the right path and that a different course must be taken and shared and reasonable positions should be seeked. Q: Can it be said that Lebanon is living its “darkest hour”? Lebanon has experienced so many wars that I don’t know if this is the darkest hour. Every hour is difficult and involves different people and circumstances. Every war is unique, yet all bring pain and increase destruction. I don’t think one can say this is the darkest moment or not, given that Lebanon has lived through war for more than 50 years. Q: How are the people doing? In recent days, you have visited many villages and communities in the south during humanitarian missions. What do people tell you? What do they hope for? There is much suffering in the Beirut area with all the displaced people, especially Shiites, who are in a very difficult situation. Many Christians are also displaced in Beirut or in the north. It is certainly hard because they leave everything behind, and there is also a major economic problem, as activities cease when villages in the south are abandoned. Then there is the sense of unease felt by those who are left out or take refuge with relatives or friends. Those who remain in the southern villages have a strong attachment to their land and their region, which drives them to stay. But there is a lot of anxiety and uncertainty about the future, as well as a sense of loneliness due to the isolation they are experiencing. They can’t go anywhere! They feel they are carrying a burden alone. That is why we go to visit them: they must feel the presence of the universal and Lebanese Church, especially the presence of the Holy Father, as well as many people of goodwill who help and support those living through these tragedies. Q: The Pope sent an Easter message to the Christians of Debel, urging them to look to the Resurrection as a source of hope and not to lose courage. How were these words received? For Christians, they resonate in a truly authentic way: now we need to look to the Resurrection. The Lebanese are deeply religious, so celebrating Easter is an important part of their Christian faith. It seems like we’re still living these days of Holy Week, but always keeping our eyes fixed on the Resurrection, on the Lord who saves us and promises us new life. Non-Christians also greatly appreciate the Holy Father’s words, especially those about peace. They also appreciate his concern for war-torn contexts. Q: Speaking on Tuesday in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope, while meeting with journalists and referring to the United States, urged people to reach out to members of Congress or other officials and politicians to tell them they don’t want war and want peace. Could this call also be extended to Hezbollah? Of course, it is an invitation that is good for everyone. This can be intended as an invitation both for Hezbollah and for Israel, to seek ways to resolve problems and to open a path of peace and new life in Lebanon—a path the country desires and deserves. Q: Your Excellency, are you tired? Not just physically, but perhaps spiritually as well, given what we’re going through? No, not at all. One must keep hope alive; otherwise, how can we sustain the hope of others? Q: The Pope has also called for continued prayer. A Prayer Vigil for Peace will be held in St. Peter’s on April 11. What is your prayer for Lebanon? That peace may be achieved, and that people may live calmly and serenely. Lebanon is always a challenge because it is a country of diversity, full of contrasts; the challenge is to bring everything together harmoniously so that the beautiful face of this country may be revealed. Everyone understands the importance of peace—that peace is not defeat, but a good that comes from God, it is not surrendering in the face of situations. Peace is just; it is something that gives the possibility, through reconciliation, to open oneself to life. War is only death.