In an exceptional visit, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Raï met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where he received a formal welcome in the external courtyard of the Élysée Palace. The meeting lasted more than an hour, and it was agreed that no information would be leaked, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding discussions on the presidential file.
Yesterday, Raï had a stop at the Vatican, where he met with the delegation of bishops accompanying him and the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Patriarch informed the Vatican that Christian forces firmly reject any entity imposing a candidate on them. Meanwhile, the Vatican called for a swift agreement on a president for the Republic, warning of the dangers of prolonged vacancy.
A statement is expected to be issued from Bkerke following the Raï-Macron meeting.
