Yesterday, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his family visited Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican. The Pope and Hariri discussed various subjects, mainly the situation of Lebanon that is currently hosting 2 million Syrian refugees. The Pope expressed appreciation for the welcome of Lebanon. https://www.facebook.com/saadhariri/photos/a.316735398293.193139.228456818293/10156680392198294/?type=3&theater The Pope and the Prime Minister agreed that the refugees should return to their home country after making sure that their repatriation is safe. Also, they talked about the state of the Middle East on a broader level. The Pope mentioned that Lebanon is an excellent example in the Middle East since it is the home of two religions. The meeting focused on the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue that foster tolerance between people and nations. Pope Francis offered Hariri a copy of his encyclical letter titled “Laudato Si’.” Also, the Prime Minister gifted him a medal in the shape of the olive tree of peace and invited him to Lebanon. Hariri believes that the visit of His Holiness would be beneficial for Christians and Muslims since the message of the Pope is peace. In fact,
President Michel Aoun met the Pope
a few months ago. The Pope announced that he would be visiting Lebanon, but no specific date has been set for the visit. During the meeting, they discussed the good relations between the Vatican and Lebanon – emphasizing the historical and the institutional role of the Church in the life of Lebanon and millions of Lebanese Christians.
