NNA - Papal Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, visited Sunday the old Christian quarter of Tyre to reassure its residents, accompanied by Tyre's Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop George Iskandar, Tyre's Mayor Hassan Dbouk, UNIFIL Chief of Staff and senior-most French military representative, Major General Paul Sanzey, and officers from the French contingent.

The visit included a tour in the old Christian quarter and encounters with residents, where they listened to their growing concerns following the recent Israeli warning.

Addressing the residents, Archbishop Borgia offered reassurances and conveyed the blessings and prayers of Pope Leo XIV. He said, "It is a great joy to be among you today in the city of Tyre, this blessed land trodden by the feet of Jesus Christ, which continues to bear living witness to his presence through a faithful Christian community that carries on his mission in this beloved East."

He added: "I bring you the love and joy of His Holiness the Pope, who has instructed me to convey a clear message: you are not alone. He thinks of you constantly, prays for you, and follows your situation with paternal concern through the work of the Church and the diplomacy of the Holy See in support of peace, stability, and the protection of humanity. Therefore, I say to you: do not be afraid. You are not alone. The universal Church stands with you, accompanies you in prayer and solidarity, and appreciates your steadfastness and resilience with the Bishop of the Diocese, His Eminence Metropolitan George Iskandar, in this ancient city. Your presence here is not merely a matter of survival, but a mission, for you are witnesses of hope, advocates of peace, and builders of coexistence and fraternity among all the children of this land."

During the visit, Monsignor Borgia participated in the Divine Liturgy held at the Cathedral of St. Thomas the Apostle in Tyre, presided over by Archbishop George Iskandar. Also attending were UNIFIL Major General Sanzey, Mayor Dbouk, UNIFIL Reserve Force Commander Colonel Ludette Maxime, French UNIFIL officers, and residents of the neighborhood.