Pope Benedict XVI left Beirut late on Sunday, urging the Lebanese people to unite against anything that might divide them.

Pope Benedict XVI left Beirut late on Sunday, urging the Lebanese people to unite against anything that might divide them.

"I pray to God for Lebanon, that it may live in peace and courageously resist all that could destroy or undermine that peace," the Pope said at the end of a three-day visit to Lebanon.

"I hope that Lebanon will fortify the communion among all its inhabitants, whatever their community or religion, that she will resolutely reject all that could lead to disunity, and with determination choose brotherhood."

Speaking of his time in Lebanon, the pope said "the Arab world and the entire world will have seen, in these troubled times, Christians and Muslims assembled to celebrate peace."

"It is a tradition in the Middle East to receive a guest with consideration and respect as you have done. I thank you all,” he added.

"May Lebanon continue to be a place where men and women can live in harmony and peace with each other, in order to give the world not only a witness to the presence of God... whatever their political, social or religious standpoint," the Pope concluded as saying.