(November 28, 2011) The Lebanese prime minister met Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican
officials on Monday in the Vatican and discussed among other issues the turmoil in
neighbouring Syria. Pope Benedict received in private audience Prime Minister Najib
Mikati of Lebanon, who later met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
along with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Dominique Mamberti.
A Vatican statement said “the cordial discussions served to highlight the role Lebanon
plays in the region and in the entire world, and its vocation to offer a message of
freedom and respectful coexistence among the various Christian and Muslim communities
who live there.” “The parties expressed a hope for greater political stability and
more fruitful collaboration and dialogue between the various leaders of social and
institutional life, also in order to meet the challenges the country faces, both internally
and internationally.” They also reviewed developments in the Middle East, particularly
“the delicate situation in Syria.” In this regard Lebanon and the Holy See stressed
on the vital need for all parties to commit themselves to peaceful coexistence founded
on justice, reconciliation, and respect for the dignity of human beings and their
inalienable rights. The two sides also spoke about the fundamental contribution that
can be made in this situation by Christians, “who are called to be builders of harmony
and peace, and whose presence is essential for the good of the region.”