Whenever the political situation in Lebanon deteriorates, which has been the case lately, there is an increase in discussions about Vatican initiatives for rescue. Ironically, this information is being promoted by pro-Hezbollah media, suggesting that the Holy See does not oppose amendments to the Lebanese formula; that it opposes the neutrality proposals from Bkerke; and that it considers accommodating Hezbollah and its state may be better than demanding the unification of arms under Lebanon's legitimate forces and the implementation of international resolutions, including Resolution 1559 and 1701, in order to avoid any confrontation with the party. However, each time, the falsehood of these claims is proven, according to informed political sources for "Al-Markazia."
In recent hours, the Papal Ambassador to Lebanon, Joseph Spiteri, stated, "The Vatican still bets on Lebanon's pluralistic message as a haven for interfaith dialogue," adding, "I am optimistic that the Lebanese can, with their intellectual capabilities, invent a new formula that saves their unique pluralistic system." He continued, "As for the internal Lebanese matter, nothing prevents the state, which successfully completed the recent parliamentary elections, from holding presidential elections in accordance with constitutional procedures."
Regarding the fate of Pope Francis’s visit to Lebanon, he said, "The Pope's visit to Lebanon is still possible and remains on His Holiness's agenda. The date will be announced when the Vatican circles see that this visit is beneficial for Lebanon." On the Vatican's support for Lebanon in international forums, he stated, "Regarding this matter, I assure you that the Holy See is in constant contact with all countries concerned with the Lebanese crisis."
When asked about the neutrality proposal and the Vatican's position on it, Spiteri replied, "As for the active neutrality proposed by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, it is under discussion with the concerned countries; the terminology may change, but the outcome remains the same."
In response to a question about what the Vatican's Foreign Minister, Bishop Paul Gallagher, announced during his visit to Lebanon regarding a national Lebanese conference sponsored by the Holy See, Spiteri answered, "This is possible as long as the request for it comes from the Lebanese parties." According to sources, what Spiteri said confirms that the Vatican's constants regarding the Lebanese situation remain unchanged. "Inventing a new formula" is to "save the unique pluralistic system," not to dismantle or change Taif Accord, as Spiteri himself said.
While emphasizing the importance of holding the presidential elections on time to avoid any vacancies or conferences that might manipulate parity and the formula, sources consider that his stance on Lebanon's neutrality clearly reflects the Vatican's non-rejection of this idea; on the contrary, he stated, "It is on the table of discussion with the relevant countries, the terminology may change, but the result is the same."
It remains that the Pope has not yet visited Lebanon after postponing his trip to Beirut due to a knee injury, noting that he visited other countries after this injury, the latest being Canada, where he used a wheelchair. This unwillingness indicates that he is dissatisfied with the performance of the system and the ideas presented by its media, and he is awaiting a new era to come to Beirut. So, will this new era begin after the presidential elections?
