Pope Francis began his visit to Lebanon under the theme "Blessed are the peacemakers," which will last until Tuesday. The visit is in response to an invitation from Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Lebanese church authorities. During his visit to the Mar Maroun Monastery in Annaya, the Pope stated: "We ask for peace for the world, and we pray for it in a special way for Lebanon and all the Middle East. Remember that there is no peace without dialogue and conversation." The Pope toured the monastery amidst sacred hymns and entered the shrine of Saint Charbel, where he knelt and prayed inside the tomb. He lit a candle he had brought from Rome as a gift to the monastery. In return, the Mar Maroun Monastery presented the Pope with the first edition of the Psalms from 1610, a lantern containing the relics of Saint Charbel, and beeswax made by the monks bearing the papal coat of arms. Lebanese citizens flocked to the Mar Maroun Monastery in Annaya to welcome the Pope. They gathered at designated points along the highway in the Keserwan area, holding Lebanese and papal flags, roses, and cedars.
