Lebanese Christians are experiencing significant loss and hardship as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, according to an April 13 report. The violence has resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Lebanon since March, with more than one million people displaced from their homes.
The crisis is impacting Christian communities who make up about a third of Lebanon’s population. Many have been caught in crossfire or affected by bombings far from known Hezbollah targets. The situation is raising concerns among Lebanese leaders and religious figures about the future stability of the country.
Maronite Catholic President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of “perpetrating a new massacre” and called for international intervention. Pope Leo XIV expressed his solidarity with Lebanese people during his Regina Caeli address on April 12, saying he is “closer than ever” to them “in these days of pain, fear, and invincible hope in God.” Cardinal Bechara Rai criticized both Hezbollah and Israel for their roles in causing suffering, stating: “The country is going through a critical situation due to Iranian interference through Hezbollah and Israeli aggression… Our hearts bleed for the victims of the conflict imposed on Lebanon.”
Michel Constantin, regional director for the Catholic Near East Welfare Agency-Pontifical Mission in Lebanon and Syria, described surprise at attacks on central Beirut: “It was a big surprise for us and all of Lebanon seeing central Beirut hit so hard. This came completely unexpectedly, without any warning.” He also reported civilian casualties unrelated to militant activity: “A politician…was hit with big rockets. He died instantly,” referring to Pierre Moawad who was killed along with his wife Flavia during Easter bombings east of Beirut.
Marielle Boutros from Aid to the Church in Need described widespread fear: “It was scary, it caused anger, it caused sadness… We are surviving but…we want this nightmare to end.” Father Toni Elias from Rmeich shared how faith sustains local Christians despite ongoing bombardments: “We are facing bombardments…but still we have hope as we celebrate Mass daily… It’s the life of prayer and our faith that sustains (us).”
As ceasefire talks are set to take place April 14 in Washington—with no agreement yet reached—many Lebanese remain anxious about further violence or potential civil unrest.
