This morning, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of the Council of Ministers ad interim of the Lebanese Republic, His Excellency Mr. Najib Mikati, who went on to meet with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial meeting, which took place at the Secretariat of State, the importance of the good diplomatic relations that exist between the Holy See and Lebanon was emphasized, as well as the importance of the contribution of the Catholic Church and the Christian component to the good of the country. Furthermore, the socio-economic situation in the Land of the Cedars, also marked by the prolonged absence of the election of the President of the Republic, was addressed.

In expressing satisfaction for the ceasefire reached in the south of the country, the hope was reiterated that the peaceful coexistence of different religions would continue to characterize Lebanon’s identity, and be of help and support to peace in the Middle East.