‘Say thank you to someone’ this Thanksgiving, Pope Leo XIV says Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday suggested that people “say thank you to someone” this Thanksgiving and he addressed concerns about violence in Lebanon ahead of his trip there later this week. Speaking two days before Thanksgiving, the first U.S.-born pope celebrated what he called “this beautiful feast that we have in the United States, which unites all people, people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith.” The pope urged all people, not just Americans, to take the occasion “to recognize that we all have received so many gifts, first and foremost, the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of unity … and to give thanks to God for the many gifts we’ve been given.” Pope Leo answered questions from reporters as he left for Rome after a daylong stay at the papal villa of Castel Gandolfo. Leo is set to begin his first international trip as pope Nov. 27, a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon. The foreign trip is the fulfillment of a promise made by Pope Francis to visit Lebanon, a Muslim-majority country. Regional instability and internal crises have battered the small country where about a third of the population is Christian. Reporters asked Leo if violence in Lebanon is a concern. “It’s always a concern,” the pope said. “Again, I would invite all people to look for ways, to abandon the use of arms as a way of solving problems, and to come together, to respect one another, to sit down together at the table, to dialogue and to work together for solutions for the problems that affect us.” Regarding a message for Israel, the pope said he likewise encourages all people “to look for peace, to look for justice, because oftentimes violence occurs as a result of injustices. And I think we have to work together, look for greater unity, respect for all people and all religions.” This article was originally published by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp CNA Staff Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis to visit Hungary in April At Vatican camp, young astronomers find science and faith go hand in hand Pope Francis’ Indonesia visit to ‘strengthen message of tolerance, unity, and world peace’ Lenten Tour at the Vatican Museums Pope Francis to palliative care symposium: Euthanasia is a ‘failure of love’ In New Year’s Angelus, Pope Ties Debt Forgiveness To Peace
Source: https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/pope-leo-xiv-thanksgiving-gratitude
