Pope Francis holds a private audience with Michel Aoun, the President of Lebanon, discussing the Middle Eastern nation’s serious socio-economic problems and political reforms.

By Vatican News staff reporter

Lebanese President Michel Aoun met with Pope Francis in the Vatican on Monday.

The roughly 30-minute meeting highlighted the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Lebanon, which are marking their 75th anniversary this year.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office said the talks were “cordial”, adding that the two leaders discussed various interests of common concern.

“Attention turned to the grave socio-economic problems the country is experiencing, and the situation of refugees, in the hope that the aid of the international community, the upcoming legislative elections, and the necessary reforms may contribute to strengthening peaceful co-existence between the various religious confessions that live in the Land of the Cedars.”

The Pope and the Lebanese President also touched on the “disastrous consequences” of the Port of Beirut explosion on 4 August 2020, especially making reference to the “demand for justice and truth expressed by the families of the victims.”

President Aoun met separately with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.

The Pope and Presidency exchange gifts

The Pope and Presidency enter the Pope’s study

Source: Vatican Media