2011-11-28 15:51:45

Pope receives Lebanese prime minister


(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.”








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