This morning, the Holy Father received in audience the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, who subsequently met with the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

The Lebanese crisis

“During the cordial talks in the Secretariat of State,” states a note from the Vatican Press Office, “the historical relations between the Holy See and Lebanon and the important role that the Catholic Church plays in the country were underlined.” Reference was made to the current situation that the Lebanese people are experiencing, especially with regard to the political crisis and socio-economic conditions, hoping that justice, the necessary reforms, and the support of the international community will help to revive the fortunes of the country of the Cedars.

Furthermore, in reiterating how important it is to promote the concept of full citizenship of every Lebanese, the importance of peaceful coexistence was underlined, so that Lebanon continues to be a message of peace and brotherhood that rises from the Middle East “.