Pope Leo Mourns Priest Who Died Helping Parishioners in Lebanon Attack

Vatican City, March 12, 2026: Pope Leo XIV mourned the death of Lebanese priest Fr. Pierre El-Rahi, who was killed amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Pope expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon and urged Christians to pray for the many innocent victims affected by war.

"Let us continue to pray for peace in Iran and throughout the Middle East, especially for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children. May our prayer be a comfort for those who suffer and a seed of hope for the future."

Pope Leo XIV made this appeal during his weekly General Audience at the Vatican on Wednesday while recalling that the funeral of Fr. Pierre El-Rahi was being held that day in Qlayaa, Lebanon.

The Pope noted that Fr. El-Rahi served as the Maronite parish priest in a Christian village in southern Lebanon, an area that, he said, "are once again experiencing the tragedy of war."

"I am close to all the Lebanese people at this moment of grave trial," he said.

According to Lebanese media reports, the Maronite rite Catholic priest was killed in Qlayaa on Monday while trying to help parishioners whose home had been targeted by an Israeli tank.

Fr. El-Rahi hurried to the house in the mountainous part of his parish with several young people. The tank struck the house again, leaving him wounded. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The Pope also pointed out that the name El-Rahi means "shepherd" in Arabic.

"Father Pierre," he said, "was a true shepherd who always remained beside his people with the love and sacrifice of Jesus the Good Shepherd."

The Pope recalled that as soon as the priest learned that some parishioners had been injured in the bombardment, he immediately went to assist them.

"May the Lord grant that the blood he shed," Pope Leo prayed, "may be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon."

Earlier, the Holy See Press Office stated on Monday that the Pope is praying for an end to hostilities in the Middle East. He also expressed sorrow for the deaths of many innocent people, including children and caregivers, and particularly remembered Fr. El-Rahi.

Courtesy: Vatican News