Rome, Italy, Sep 14, 2012 / 01:03 am
The Rector of Rome's Pontifical Maronite College predicts that all the people of Lebanon – Muslims included – will welcome Pope Benedict XVI to their country at the start of Apostolic Visit Sept. 14-16.
"Muslims are also waiting for the Holy Father's visit and there will certainly be many who await the moments Pope's arrival at the airport and drive to the nunciature," said Msgr. Antoine Gebran who was back in his homeland recently to witness preparations for the 3-day visit at first hand.
"One of the Muslim leaders said, 'We must welcome the Pope with the streets covered in roses.' That is, it's a sign of eastern spirituality."
Msgr. Gebran spoke to CNA before this week's outbreak of militant Muslim protest against United States diplomatic missions in the Middle East. The violence was sparked by the posting on YouTube of extracts of a low-budget US film mocking the Prophet Mohammed, the 6-7th century founder of Islam.