Pope Leo XIV Speaks to Priests in Lebanon

May 6, 2026, 20:46
Middle EastInternational

Introduction

Pope Leo XIV had a surprise video call with thirteen priests in southern Lebanon. He wants peace in the region.

Main Body

The Pope spoke to the priests in French. He told them to stay in their towns. He wants the fighting to stop. Israel and Hezbollah are still fighting, even after a peace agreement on April 17. Israel destroyed a Catholic building in Yaroun. Israel says it was a mistake. Local people say Israel did it on purpose. A soldier also broke a religious statue. Many Christians in Lebanon are worried. The war started on March 2. The US, Israel, and Iran are also involved. The Pope visited Lebanon in November. He wants people of different religions to be friends.

Conclusion

The area is still dangerous. The Vatican wants to help Lebanon stay calm.

Learning

πŸ•°οΈ The 'Past' Trick

In this text, we see many words that tell us things happened before now. For a beginner, the easiest way to reach A2 is to recognize these -ed endings.

Patterns found in the text:

  • speak β†’ spoke (Special change!)
  • destroy β†’ destroyed
  • start β†’ started
  • visit β†’ visited

🌍 Who is doing what?

Look at these simple sentences. They follow a basic A2 map: Person β†’ Action β†’ Place/Thing.

  • The Pope β†’\rightarrow visited β†’\rightarrow Lebanon.
  • Israel β†’\rightarrow destroyed β†’\rightarrow a building.

Quick Tip: Use this map to build your own sentences. Just swap the person or the place!

Vocabulary Learning

peace (n.)
a state where there is no war or fighting
Example:The people hoped for peace after the war.
region (n.)
an area or part of a country
Example:The region is known for its beautiful mountains.
towns (n.)
small cities or communities
Example:The priests were told to stay in their towns.
stop (v.)
to cease or end
Example:We want the fighting to stop.
fighting (n.)
a conflict or war
Example:The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues.
agreement (n.)
a deal or understanding
Example:They signed a peace agreement on April 17.
building (n.)
a structure with walls and a roof
Example:Israel destroyed a Catholic building.
mistake (n.)
an error or wrong action
Example:Israel says it was a mistake.
purpose (n.)
the reason or aim of something
Example:Local people say Israel did it on purpose.
soldier (n.)
a person who serves in the army
Example:A soldier broke a religious statue.
statue (n.)
a carved or molded figure
Example:The statue was damaged by a soldier.
war (n.)
a large conflict between nations
Example:The war started on March 2.
involved (adj.)
connected or participating in something
Example:The US, Israel, and Iran are also involved.
visited (v.)
to go to see or spend time in a place
Example:The Pope visited Lebanon in November.
friends (n.)
people who like each other and support one another
Example:He wants people of different religions to be friends.
dangerous (adj.)
capable of causing harm or injury
Example:The area is still dangerous.
calm (adj.)
peaceful and quiet, free from noise or worry
Example:The Vatican wants Lebanon to stay calm.
surprise (adj.)
unexpected or shocking
Example:It was a surprise video call.
video (n.)
a recorded visual presentation
Example:The Pope had a surprise video call.
call (n.)
a telephone conversation or communication
Example:They had a video call.
thirteen (num.)
the number after twelve
Example:Thirteen priests joined the call.
southern (adj.)
located in or toward the south
Example:The call was with priests in southern Lebanon.
priests (n.)
religious leaders who perform ceremonies
Example:The priests were asked to stay in their towns.
want (v.)
to desire or wish for something
Example:He wants peace in the region.
stay (v.)
to remain in a place or condition
Example:He told them to stay in their towns.
people (n.)
individuals or citizens of a place
Example:Many Christians in Lebanon are worried.
many (adj.)
a large number of people or things
Example:Many Christians are worried.
Christians (n.)
followers of Christianity
Example:Many Christians in Lebanon are worried.