In the Christian town of Rmeich on Lebanon’s tense southern border, worshippers are praying that Pope Leo’s upcoming visit will bring peace — and the strength to stay in a region where Christian communities are disappearing.br br For centuries, Rmeich has been a safe haven for Middle Eastern Christians. Today, it sits between Israeli military posts and villages devastated by airstrikes, while residents struggle to protect their land, their homes, and their faith.br br Priests describe a community holding on by prayer alone. Churches stand damaged or destroyed. Families are unable to harvest their fields without UN escorts. Only a handful of Christians remain in neighbouring towns.