Pope faces diplomatic challenge on trip to Lebanon

CWN - August 27, 2012

John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter explains why the September trip to Lebanon by Pope Benedict XVI will be a severe test of papal diplomacy.

The Vatican has carefully avoided taking sides in the escalating conflict between the Syrian government and rebel groups--a conflict that threatens to spill over into Lebanon. The Vatican supports the right of the Syrian people to secure justice, but opposes the involvement of foreign troops in a conflict that could upset Syria's tradition of religious pluralism.

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  • Posted by: Defender - Aug. 28, 2012 12:41 AM ET USA

    What was the Vatican saying when Syrian troops stayed in Lebanon a few decades ago? Syria is probably too far gone now to expect anything but some kind of radical Islamic group from eventually taking over. Israel will have a real headache on its hands as Syria will support Palestinian efforts in the Gaza and elsewhere.

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