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In a move that highlights the Holy See’s deep concerns about the Christians’ situation in Lebanon, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is visiting Lebanon since Sunday. His mission aims to break the deadlock in the presidential election, with the Vatican hoping to bridge differences among Christian parties and foster a national consensus leading to a positive outcome.
This initiative from the Vatican is being coordinated with France, whose presidential envoy to Lebanon, Jean-Yves Le Drian, visited the Holy See following his recent trip to Beirut and met with Cardinal Parolin to explain the circumstances surrounding the Lebanese presidential elections and the positions of the concerned parties. Reportedly, both sides agreed on a key point: the importance of holding the presidential elections, primarily to safeguard the role of the only Christian president in the region, a role and position that should not be compromised.
Some observers revealed that Cardinal Parolin, who was debriefed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, as well as by France, the United States, and various Lebanese Christian parties, has a thorough grasp of the presidential dossier. However, this does not necessarily imply that Parolin’s mission will be straightforward. He is aware that the political stakeholders will perceive the Vatican’s initiative much like other international ones. In other words, they will support it if it aligns with their interests and oppose it if it does not. This holds true for Hezbollah, as well as for opposing parties, including mainly, the Lebanese Forces.
The same sources have conveyed the concern of some Christian parties that the Vatican’s positions could be interpreted as favoring one political party over another. This issue is likely to arise in discussions and consultations, where Speaker of the House, Nabih Berri may seek to convince all participants, including the Vatican envoy, of his determination to elect a President of the Republic promptly. In this context, Berri would blame the opposition, who refuse to take part in a dialogue session led by him personally. However, Berri has expressed his willingness to convene successive parliamentary sessions, but without committing to guarantee the quorum nor a positive outcome.
Sources closely monitoring Cardinal Parolin’s visit reported that the Vatican’s Secretary of State will look into claims that the presidential election is not linked to developments in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Most importantly, he will outline the required profile of the next president. According to Vatican sources, the Holy See aims for long-term political and security stability in Lebanon, deeming it essential for creating a functional state and the only way to stop the Christian exodus from the country.
