BREAKING Vatican Nuncio to Lebanon Calls for a Ceasefire after Israel's Deadly Attack Leaves Over 300 Dead
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The death toll from the April 7th Israeli strikes, of 100 strikes in 10 minutes, with 160 bombs, on Lebanon has risen, according to the BBC, to over 300 fatalities and 1,150 injuries. It significantly surpassing earlier reports as the nation observes an official day of mourning. Lebanon, where Pope Leo XIV visited in late 2025, has over 2 million Christians or about 35% of the population.
While the Israeli military maintains that "Operation Eternal Darkness" was designed to target Hezbollah, humanitarian organizations like Amnesty International emphasize the staggering civilian cost, noting that the total deceased since has already exceeded 1,500 with 1.2 million people displaced. It hit Beirut’s densely populated residential and commercial areas. These latest attacks further exacerbate a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by unlawful strikes on residential areas and the documented use of white phosphorus, leaving health workers, journalists, and children to pay an increasingly unbearable price amidst the escalating violence.
In a recent interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, the Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon, shared a sobering account of the escalation of violence in the region. Amidst a wave of Israeli strikes that have left the country in "turmoil," the Nuncio offered a perspective rooted in both humanitarian concern and spiritual resilience.
A Crisis of "Unprecedented" Scale
On Wednesday, April 8, Lebanon was struck by a series of intense aerial bombardments. Reporting from the ground, Archbishop Borgia highlighted the sheer speed and density of the attacks:
“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.”
The human cost of these strikes—which occurred despite a recently announced two-week truce between the US, Israel, and Iran (which Israel noted did not apply to Lebanon)—remains staggering. The Archbishop warned that the initial reports of 182 deaths likely underestimate the true tragedy:
“The number of deaths will need to be updated because many may still be under the rubble.”
The Call for Diplomacy and Ceasefire
Despite the complex geopolitical web involving Hezbollah and Iran, Borgia echoed the sentiments of Pope Leo XIV, urging all parties to abandon the path of war in favor of "avenues for dialogue." He addressed the specific friction between Israel and Hezbollah directly:
“I understand that these are two different situations, though connected... 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.”
When asked if this represents Lebanon’s "darkest hour," the Nuncio noted that while the pain is unique, the country’s history is a long tapestry of conflict:
“Lebanon has experienced so many wars that I don’t know if this is the darkest hour... 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.”
Resilience Amidst Displacement
Archbishop Borgia recently returned from a 10-hour mission with Cardinal Bechara Boutros Raï, visiting southern villages to provide aid. He described a population gripped by "anxiety and uncertainty," yet deeply attached to their land.
Humanitarian Impact: Massive displacement of both Shiite and Christian populations.
Economic Collapse: Abandoned villages have led to a total cessation of local economic activity.
Isolation: A growing sense of loneliness among those who cannot flee.
“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... as well as many people of goodwill who help and support those living through these tragedies.”
A Spiritual Mandate for Peace
Despite the physical toll of his mission, the Nuncio remains "not at all tired" spiritually. He views the pursuit of peace not as a sign of weakness, but as a divine necessity.
“One must keep hope alive; otherwise, how can we sustain the hope of others?”
Looking toward the future and the upcoming Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter’s on April 11, Borgia defined his vision for the country’s recovery:
“Everyone understands the importance of peace—that peace is not defeat, but a good that comes from God... Peace is just; it is something that gives the possibility, through reconciliation, to open oneself to life. War is only death."
Sources: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-04/nuncio-lebanon-death-war-conflict-peace-strikes-middle-east.html
BBC - Amnesty Inter. - CBC
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