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LBCI
23-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Former PM Mikati congratulates Pope Leo XIV on inauguration, highlights Lebanon's ties to Vatican
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati sent a message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his inauguration as head of the Catholic Church, expressing admiration and support on behalf of the Lebanese people. In the message, Mikati praised the Pope's election as a moment of "hope and renewal" for millions around the world, noting that it holds special meaning for Lebanon's Christian community, which, he said, views the Vatican as a guiding light of faith and spiritual leadership. Mikati emphasized Lebanon's longstanding relationship with the Holy See, describing the country as a land of deep spiritual heritage and religious diversity. He expressed hope that the new papacy would be marked by wisdom and compassion, particularly in fostering interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also commended the Pope's commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, saying it serves as an inspiration to all who seek harmony and coexistence. Mikati concluded his message by assuring the Pope of Lebanon's continued prayers and support for his mission and leadership.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin 'concerned' for LGBTQ community with new pope
"The View" co-host Sunny Hostin said she is "concerned" for the LGBTQ+ community after seeing a resurfaced statement from the new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the first American pope on Thursday, taking the name of Pope Leo XIV. He has been described as a compromise candidate between the more traditional and progressive factions of the Roman Catholic Church, as he has spoken in favor of both doctrinal tradition and support for workers and the poor. While some liberal commentators have praised him, others have voiced skepticism about how much their beliefs may actually align. "I'm a devout Catholic," Hostin claimed. "Look, I always think it's exciting, to watch the conclave and look for the white smoke and the black smoke and just the ceremony of it and, you know, during these very trying times in our country, we certainly need spiritual leadership, because of some of the things that we're experiencing. I'm a little concerned about this choice for the LGBTQ+ community." President Trump Calls First American Pope Leo Xiv An 'Honor' For Us, 'Very Happy' She went on to quote a statement the pope made in 2012. "In 2012 he gave an address to bishops, and he lamented the popular culture fostered and 'sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,' and that's a quote, and then he cited the 'homosexual lifestyle' and 'alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children,'" Hostin said. Read On The Fox News App The co-host then recalled the late Pope Francis and said, "I think that Pope Francis certainly made great changes in terms of embracing the LGBTQ+ community and extending blessings to the community, and I hope that this pope doesn't roll back the-" Multiple co-hosts interjected, including Ana Navarro, who identified as Catholic and emphasized the date that he made the statement. "In 2012 there were even a lot of American politicians who today are pro-gay marriage and pro-equal rights who were not, so maybe, you know, with the weight of the papacy and the idea that-he just said when he went out on the balcony that the church loves everyone and was inclusive in his first message so until we see otherwise, I think we need to pray and hope that he follows in Francis' footsteps in being inclusive, forgiving, compassionate, welcoming, and speaking up for the marginalized," Navarro said. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Pope Leo also previously warned against gender ideology as well, reportedly declaring to a local news outlet, "The promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist." While the late Pope Francis is credited for extending an olive branch to the LGBTQ+ community, he also warned that gender ideology is the "ugliest danger" of our article source: 'The View' co-host Sunny Hostin 'concerned' for LGBTQ community with new pope


Irish Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
President Higgins wishes pope well as he takes on role ‘at a time of great challenges for the world'
Political and religious leaders in Ireland have congratulated American cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on becoming the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. President Michael D Higgins extended his 'warmest congratulations' to the pontiff. 'This is an immensely significant moment for all those of faith and goodwill around the world who look to the papacy for spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and global leadership at a time described by his predecessor Pope Francis as needing the vocation of diplomacy,' he said in a statement. Mr Higgins said Pope Leo XIV 'assumes this important role at a time of great challenges for the world'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin also offered his congratulations to the new pontiff, saying: 'I know that he has the best wishes of all Irish people, of all traditions.' READ MORE In a statement Mr Martin said he hopes the 'ground swell of best wishes' from around the world will give the new pope 'strength and support as he takes on the immense responsibility of his pontificate'. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said he believed Pope Leo XIV 'will continue to build on the extraordinary legacy left behind by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who taught us all the importance of kindness and humanity'. 'In a time marked by complex global challenges – from poverty and conflict to climate change – the role of moral and spiritual leadership is more vital than ever,' he added. Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin said it was 'with great joy' that he welcomed Pope Leo XIV. 'At the end of February I and the other Irish archbishops met him and he came across as a humble and respectful listener, wanting to learn as much as possible about the church in Ireland,' he said in a post on X. 'He is a calm, affable and approachable person. He is a friend of Ireland and no doubt the Augustinian communities in Ireland will be delighted with the news.' Cardinal Prevost is a member of the Order of St Augustine and Fr Tony Egan, head of the order in Ireland, said he believes People Leo XIV will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis in terms of reaching out to 'the poor, the marginalised, migrants'. 'He will be a pope for everyone, Catholics, non-Catholics, Christians, just the general, broad humanity. He has a good heart,' Fr Egan told Drivetime on Radio 1. The Church of Ireland's Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, John McDowell, passed on the good wishes of the Church of Ireland 'not only to Pope Leo but also to the bishops, priests and Catholic people of Ireland'. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the appointment of Pope Leo XIV as a 'day of profound significance', urging him to stand with Gaza like his predecessor.