The "Gathering of Lebanese Shia" to the Pope: in favor of the State’s monopoly on weapons

The “Gathering of Lebanese Shia” sent a message to Pope Leo XIV stating that the Lebanese State’s exclusive control of weapons “is the essential foundation for building a strong and just State.”
Supporting peace “in accordance with Arab initiatives and international legitimacy,” the Gathering stressed its commitment to “acting exclusively under the authority of the State and the rule of law, and to supporting everything that strengthens its presence.”

The “Gathering of Lebanese Shia” brings together academics, journalists, senior professionals, and Shiite citizens known for their sovereigntist stance, fundamentally opposed to Hezbollah’s political project. 

Below is the full text of the message addressed by the Gathering to the Holy Father.

Your Holiness Pope Leo XIV,

With reverence and respect,

The Gathering of Lebanese Shia is honored to address Your Holiness on the occasion of your blessed visit to Lebanon — a visit we consider a pivotal moment that reflects your constant commitment to promoting a culture of peace, strengthening dialogue among members of the one human family, and standing by nations experiencing delicate conditions such as those our country is enduring today.

We, in this Gathering, believe that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its children, and that its strength lies in its state and legitimate institutions, in the consolidation of coexistence, and in adherence to international legitimacy. From this conviction, we place before Your Holiness a clear statement of our steadfast positions:

1. We support the implementation of international resolutions related to Lebanon, in a way that safeguards its sovereignty, strengthens its stability, and restores order to its institutions.

2. We believe that the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese State is the essential foundation for building a strong and just state capable of protecting all its citizens without exception.

3. We are committed to working strictly under the authority of the State and the rule of law, and to everything that reinforces its presence, prestige, and unifying role.

4. We support the path of peace in accordance with Arab initiatives and international legitimacy, based on a firm conviction that a just and comprehensive peace is the only route to a stable future for the peoples of the region — in full harmony with the motto of your visit: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Your Holiness,

The Shia community in Lebanon takes pride in its historic national role and reaffirms its sincere desire to be an active partner in the state-building project, and in shaping a society rooted in justice, equality, and mutual respect among all citizens. We regard your visit as spiritual and moral support for Lebanon’s path to recovery, and as an encouragement for dialogue — the essence of the Lebanese partnership.

We deeply value Your Holiness’s concern for Lebanon, and we ask God to grant your health and strength to continue your noble mission in upholding human dignity and fostering a culture of peace in a world beset by crises.

Please accept, Your Holiness, the expression of our highest respect and appreciation.

From the Gathering of Lebanese Shiites

Jad Al Akhaoui