BEIRUT. – The Pope Benedict XVI turned to the believers calling them to preserve peace in the Middle East and a dialogue between religions during his visit to Lebanon.

An open air mass with over 300,000 people participating in it was held in Beirut on Sunday. The mass was held in French and Arabic, intercessions were also read in Armenian and in English, German Deutsche Welle reports.

Pope Benedict called on all people of the Middle East to be “servants to peace and reconciliation.” According to him, Christians and members of all other religions would have to contribute.

He called on the international community and the Arab countries to suggest realistic solutions that will respect the dignity, rights and religion of every person.