Pope prays that Middle-East leaders work toward peace
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BEIRUT (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI prayed on Sunday that leaders in the Middle East work toward peace and reconciliation, in his homily at an open-air mass on Beirut's waterfront.
"In a world where violence constantly leaves behind its grim trail of death and destruction, to serve justice and peace is urgently necessary," Pope Benedict said.
"I pray in particular that the Lord will grant to this region of the Middle East servants of peace and reconciliation, so that all people can live in peace and with dignity," he added.
An estimated 350,000 people had gathered under a bright warm sun as the pontiff celebrated a solemn Sunday mass on the final day of his visit to Lebanon, where Middle East peace and reconciliation have been his central theme.
