Pope Benedict weaves his way through legions of worshippers in the Lebanese city of Beirut.<br/> <br />The 85-year-old pontiff is in Lebanon for an open-air mass on the shores of the Mediterranean.<br/> <br />Some 350 000 people attended the ceremony, in which Benedict called for an end to the bloodshed in neighbouring Syria.<br/> <br />He said: "In a world where violence constantly leaves behind its grim trail of death and destruction, to serve justice and peace is urgently necessary."<br/> <br />He also called for an end to arms shipments into Syria, which he called a "grave sin."<br/> <br />His visit comes amid a wave of sectarian violence in Lebanon itself - and pilgrims are hoping the visit helps restore calm.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE) (English) PILGRIM RALPH SHAYA SAYING:<br/> <br />"The visit of the Pope is a very good step and I hope for Lebanese to stay in Lebanon and to live together in love and peace."<br/> <br />Benedict, who spent three days in Lebanon, will return to the Vatican Sunday evening.
