Far from the entitlements of the demarcation, government, and presidency, those who follow the movement of the Holy See realize, with sorrow, the state of the unhealthy relationship between Lebanon and the Vatican. The disappointment is particularly acute regarding the papal visit that the Lebanese were eagerly anticipating in early June, which did not take place due to the Vatican re-evaluating the feasibility of the visit, postponing it until conditions stabilize and political and economic calm returns. This change contrasts with the Lebanese intentions that have resulted in widespread destruction and ruin.
"It is impossible to deceive the Vatican; the Vatican circles, from the highest ranks to the last department, are aware of the minute details concerning the Lebanese situation. The level of anger is extremely high from both the religious and political spheres. There is a profound change in the way files concerning Lebanon, many of which are complaints and documents, are being handled. They are being scrutinized increasingly before decisions are made, which have already begun to change. There is no longer any consideration or special privileges for the Lebanese situation, as those in charge of political and religious responsibilities have left no room for mercy,” said a source.
The source continued, explaining that "punishment is the only means left for correction." The Vatican's punishment, when it occurs, is very severe as it comes silently and without noise, meaning that those subjected to it have no space to scream or lament so as not to expose themselves publicly. This conclusion reflects the impressions that visitors to the Vatican return with after meeting officials, hearing significantly different perspectives regarding the Lebanese file than previously noted.
One visitor to Rome told "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency, “The most dangerous aspect of the Vatican's behavior is that it acts without speaking. Following the cancellation of Pope Francis's visit to Lebanon, which was initially announced, the Vatican, based on calm reviews and information, decided to adopt a stern stance in dealings with Lebanese political and religious leaders. Therefore, the wise approach is to support the Vatican's direction to restore the Church in Lebanon to one that serves the people, holding political leaders accountable on the basis that the Vatican’s doors will remain closed henceforth to those who have betrayed the people's trust, destroyed the state along with all its institutions and sectors, and engaged in corruption.”
The source added, “Pope Francis, who is intensifying his foreign visits despite his health condition, is preparing for a visit to Bahrain from November 3 to 6. It has been only a few months since the cancellation of his initial visit to Lebanon, so as not to legitimize leaders who have lost all credibility. In fact, as previously leaked after the visit’s cancellation, he will not shake hands with the corrupt. His current visits send clear signals that Lebanon is no longer a Vatican priority at present until conditions change and the reasons that led the Vatican not to care much about the Lebanese situation are removed, while still maintaining prayers for Lebanon and its people.”
When asked if the Vatican's anger has limits, the source replied, "Of course, and the hope is for the time for Lebanon to transition into a new phase, where indicators will include addressing multiple entitlements leading to changes in many individuals and improvements in the poor performance that has characterized the general trajectory in Lebanon for more than three decades."
Additionally, a diplomatic source revealed to "Akhbar Al-Yawm" agency that “communications and meetings are taking place at various levels between the Vatican and the Islamic Republic of Iran to arrange for an anticipated visit by the Pope to Iran in the first half of next year. This visit is expected to be historic, similar to Pope Francis's visit to Iraq and his meeting with the highest Shiite authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. It will culminate in a spiritual summit with the Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as they finalize signing the document on human brotherhood.”
