"I want particularly to encourage the life and presence of Christians in the Middle East, where they must be able to live out their faith freely, and to launch once again a pressing appeal for peace in the region," Benedict said in comments addressed to Lebanese pilgrims at the Vatican.
The appeal follows a call last week for an end to the conflict in Gaza, where a ceasefire was agreed on Wednesday.
The pope addressed the Lebanese pilgrims after Beatitude Bechara Boutros Rai, 72, patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church in Lebanon, was named as a new cardinal at a ceremony called a consistory.
"The church
encourages all efforts for peace in the world and in the Middle East, a
peace that will only be effective if it is based on authentic respect
for other people," said Benedict, who visited Lebanon in September.