Pope Francis received the interim Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, at the Vatican on 13 December 2024, Friday, and used the occasion to encourage peace in the Middle East.
“While expressing satisfaction for the ceasefire achieved in the south of the country and hoping for its further consolidation, the hope was reiterated that the peaceful coexistence of different religions will continue to characterize Lebanon’s identity and serve as an aid and support to peace in the Middle East,” said a note from the Vatican Press Office.
The war between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, spread to Lebanon a few months ago , where the Israeli offensive has left thousands dead and forced the closure of, among others, a Franciscan convent of the Custody of the Holy Land .
“In addition, the socio-economic situation of the Land of the Cedars was addressed, also marked by the prolonged absence of the election of the President of the Republic,” the text adds.
The post of Lebanese president has been vacant since November 2022, after Congress failed to elect one of the candidates.
The Vatican also noted that the meeting also highlighted the importance of the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Lebanon and the importance of the contribution of the Catholic Church and the Christian component to the good of the country.
Following his meeting with Pope Francis, Najib Mikati met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
This is the third time that the Holy Father has received Mikati in the Vatican. The last time was in March 2023 , when the two discussed the unprecedented socio-economic crisis facing the country and the urgency of calling new elections.