Pope Benedict XVI Visits Lebanon for Three-Day Tour

On Friday, Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Beirut, Lebanon as a part of a three-day tour.

''I have come to Lebanon as a pilgrim of peace...As a friend of God and as a friend of men,'' as reported by the Associated Press.

There has been recent turmoil surrounding Lebanon, particularly Syria over the film "Innocence of Muslims." Earlier this week on Tuesday, angry fundamentalist group stormed the US embassy in Benghazi killing three embassy staff members and the US ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens.

Of the attacks, the Pope said that fundamentalism was a "falsification of religion,'' he was asked whether he considered altering his plans of visiting the region due to all the tension, to which the 85-year-old told AP, ''no one ever advised (me) to renounce this trip and personally, I have never considered this."

Lebanese authorities have maintained tight security around the Pope, by temporarily suspending weapon permits, except for politician bodyguards. The Pope will only visit northern Lebanon and other Christian areas.

Recent reports suggest that there have been angry rioting in the region due to the film. On Tuesday, the U.S. embassy in Benghazi was attacked by a group of fundamentalist. The U.S. ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens and three other embassy staff members have been killed by the gunmen who barraged the consulate and then set it on fire.

According to reports, the gunmen were angered over an American film that derided the prophet Mohammad. The film, which was endorsed by a U.S. pastor, Terry Jones, showed the prophet to be a child molester, and killer. The film was posted on Youtube. Jones has become infamous in US for the burning of Quran incident.

President Obama delivered a speech on Wednesday along side with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Obama said, "condemns in the strongest terms these outrageous attacks," as reported by NBC.

"Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States," Obama told CNN reporters.

Clinton said the attacks were carried out by a "small and savage group," according to Reuters. Clinton said the attacks should "Shock the conscious of people of all faiths," as reported on NBC.

Stevens severed as the US ambassador to Libya since June 2012. He was 52. Sean Smithhas been identified as one of the other three staff members who were killed in the attack. Smith was Foreign Service information management officer and worked with the state department for over a decade. The other two victims have yet to be identified.

The attacks have raised questions about America's involvement in the crisis stricken Libya. Libya has been under violent turmoil due to the civil war, which erupted in 2011 marked by the over-throwing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

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