Pope Francis and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held an important meeting at the Vatican on Thursday.
During their discussion, the Pope expressed his “firm faith in the message that Lebanon performs through the cultural and religious pluralism that characterizes it and makes it unique in the region.”
He also emphasized the need for solidarity among Lebanese officials to help the nation overcome its current crises and elect a new president.
Mikati presented Pope Francis with a letter that outlined Lebanon’s situation and the possible solutions the Vatican could contribute to their success.
He explained, “I invited the Pope to visit Lebanon, seeing as that would represent a beam of hope for Muslims and Christians in Lebanon alike.”
During the meeting, which lasted 30 minutes, Pope Francis reiterated his belief in Lebanon’s unique cultural and religious diversity.
He urged Lebanese officials to work together to navigate the country’s challenges and to hold the presidential election as soon as possible.
Mikati, who was accompanied by Lebanon’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Farid Khazen, and his diplomatic advisor Boutros Asaker, shared his thoughts on the meeting: “I had an excellent meeting with his Beatitude. I expressed to him my belief that Lebanon’s historic message is now spreading across the Arab world. The key challenge is to preserve and consolidate this message, and enhance the values of peace and fraternity.”
Pope Francis insisted on the election of a president for Lebanon.
