Pope Leo XIV delivered a surprise message of peace and hope to 13 priests from southern Lebanon , near the Israeli border, by unexpectedly joining their video call from Rome on Wednesday. The pontiff assured them they were in his prayers and expressed his wish for peace to soon prevail along the volatile frontier. The Lebanese Catholic and Maronite priests had gathered online for a scheduled morning meeting with the Vatican ’s ambassador to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia. To their astonishment, Borgia then announced that Pope Leo was also present and wished to speak with them. The holy men, hailing from southern villages and towns including Rmeich, Ain Ebel, Debel, and Marjayoun, were visibly moved by the unexpected encounter. Father Najib al-Amil, the parish priest of Rmeich, who participated in the online session, shared his reaction. "(The pope) gave us peace and his blessings," he stated.…