As part of an official and family visit to Rome, President Joseph Aoun was received on Friday morning by Pope Leo XIV in his office at the Vatican.
Following the meeting, President Aoun emphasized the relationship between Lebanon and the Holy See, which is rooted in shared human and spiritual values. Staying true to his message of unity in diversity, the president reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to its unique mission within a troubled Middle East. "Lebanon, despite its wounds, remains a crossroads of civilizations, an oasis of religious freedom and cultural pluralism. It plays this natural role as a bridge between East and West and a privileged place for dialogue among religions and cultures."
The president recalled the words of Pope John Paul II, who saw Lebanon as “not only a country but a message.” President Aoun expressed his determination to carry this message forward, with the support of the Holy See. The Pope “assured me of his constant closeness to the Lebanese people, regardless of their affiliations, and of his fervent prayers for Lebanon to regain stability, peace, and hope.”
Additionally, the president extended an official invitation to the Pope to visit Lebanon, a visit that would be “a powerful message of comfort for all Lebanese.”
Following the papal audience, President Aoun held a meeting with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to further discuss future prospects and international support for Lebanon.
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