Christians in southern Lebanon face war devastation but endure with aid from Catholic groups, diaspora initiatives, and Vatican support.
Newsroom (08/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Christians in southern Lebanon are enduring one of the most difficult chapters in their recent history, caught in the crossfire of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Churches and monasteries have been destroyed, religious symbols desecrated, and families torn apart by loss, including the killing of a parish priest. Yet despite the devastation, many have chosen to remain rooted in their ancestral villages.
Their resilience, local leaders say, is sustained not only by faith but by a dense network of Catholic organizations and international initiatives that continue to deliver humanitarian aid and moral support amid the crisis.
Communities “Caught in a Vice”
Vincent Gelot, director of L’Œuvre d’Orient in Lebanon, described the situation as one in which Christian communities are “caught in a vice,” wedged between Hezbollah militants operating near their villages and Israeli military strikes that have damaged or occupied civilian infrastructure.
“It is their very existence that is at stake,” Gelot said in comments to ACI MENA.
L’Œuvre d’Orient, a longstanding French Catholic organization, has deep roots in Lebanon, supporting schools, churches, and agricultural livelihoods in predominantly rural southern regions. In 2026 alone, it has delivered seven humanitarian aid convoys and conducted multiple field visits.
Gelot emphasized that presence on the ground is central to the organization’s mission. He personally accompanies aid shipments to ensure they reach those in need and to reinforce what he calls a “human bond” with local communities.
“It is not only about sending trucks and aid but also about being there with them,” he said.
He also underscored the historical and spiritual significance of the region, noting that many villages date back to the time of Christ and hold deep religious meaning for residents. “The people are profoundly attached to their land,” he said, adding that preserving their presence is essential.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, Gelot framed the stakes as national. Lebanon, he argued, remains a rare model in the Middle East for religious freedom and pluralism, with Christians playing a vital political and cultural role.
Caritas Expands Front-Line Response
On the ground, Caritas Lebanon has taken a leading role in emergency response efforts. Its teams are delivering food parcels, hygiene kits, mattresses, and blankets, while operating mobile clinics that bring medical care to isolated villages cut off from hospitals.
Peter Mahfouz, who heads the organization’s emergency response unit, said needs are escalating rapidly.
“The needs are growing faster than the funding,” he said.
Among the most urgent priorities are shelter, continued care for chronic illnesses, food assistance for families who have lost their income, and mental health support—especially for children and the elderly. Maintaining safe humanitarian corridors remains critical to ensuring aid delivery.
Caritas relies heavily on local parishes, which serve as key access points to affected communities. These parishes identify vulnerable families and often open their facilities as shelters.
“It is a network built on trust that existed long before this war,” Mahfouz said.
He also pointed to Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse, which continues to compound the crisis. Rising costs for fuel, electricity, and basic goods are straining both families and aid operations.
Despite the risks and exhaustion, Mahfouz said the resilience of the people themselves remains a source of motivation. “You arrive expecting to give something, and you leave realizing they have given you more,” he said.
Diaspora and European Support
Support has also flowed from the Lebanese diaspora and international partners. One initiative, “Lebanon in Need,” was launched in Poland by the Maronite Missionary Foundation in collaboration with the fundraising platform 4fund.com as part of the broader “Europe for Lebanon” campaign.
The effort emphasizes transparency and accountability. Donations are processed through regulated financial systems, ensuring traceability and compliance with anti-money-laundering standards. Organizers say the commission-free structure guarantees that all funds reach beneficiaries.
Aid is distributed through established local partners, including Caritas Lebanon, the Lebanese Red Cross, and parish networks. Continuous coordination among organizations aims to avoid duplication and maximize impact, with regular reporting provided to donors.
Vatican Presence and Symbolic Support
The Vatican has maintained a visible and active role throughout the conflict. A recent video call in which Pope Leo XIV surprised parish priests in southern Lebanon drew widespread attention, highlighting ongoing spiritual solidarity.
The apostolic nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, has also emerged as a prominent figure on the ground. Known for visiting frontline villages even during periods of heightened danger, he has combined diplomatic duties with hands-on humanitarian work.
Residents describe him as a trusted and deeply committed presence—someone who not only coordinates aid with Catholic organizations but also personally assists in distributing it, speaking with families, and listening to their concerns.
A Struggle for Survival and Identity
For many observers, the crisis facing Christians in southern Lebanon extends beyond immediate humanitarian needs. It touches on questions of identity, continuity, and the preservation of a longstanding religious and cultural presence in the region.
Despite the destruction surrounding them, many families continue to resist displacement, choosing instead to remain on land that holds both historical and spiritual significance.
Their endurance, sustained by local solidarity and international support networks, reflects a broader struggle not only for survival but for the preservation of Lebanon’s pluralistic character in the midst of war.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA News
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