Lebanon “because of the presence of various Christian and Muslim communities there,
stands as a message of freedom and respectful coexistence, not only for the region
but for the whole world. In this context, it is increasingly necessary to promote
collaboration and dialogue between religious confessions”.
Echoing the words
of John Paul II, the opening line of the Vatican communiqué on Thursday morning’s
meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, immediately
underscores the regional importance of the Land of the Ceders.
Pope Benedict
XVI welcomed the Head of State at the door of his private library. After posing for
photographs, the two men then retired for a 30 minute private conversation, held in
French. On emerging, the President presented his wife, son and delegation to the Holy
Father and gifted him a beautifully crafted gold and ivory censer dating to the seventeenth
century, from a Lebanese monastery.
A statement released shortly after the
encounter read; “Attention ...turned to the importance of civil and religious authorities
being committed to educating consciences in peace and reconciliation, and the hope
was expressed that the formation of the new government may favour the desired stability
of the nation, which is called to face important internal and international challenges”.
“The
talks then dwelt on the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to
recent events in certain Arab States, with the parties expressing their shared
conviction that it is vital to resolve the ongoing conflicts in the region”.
“Finally,
particular attention was given to the delicate situation of Christians in the entire region,
and to the contribution they can make for the good of society as a whole”.