French President Emmanuel Macron participated last weekend in the World Peace Meeting organized by the Sant'Egidio Community in Rome on the 23rd and 24th. This occasion saw him, accompanied by his wife Brigitte, visit the Vatican and meet with Pope Francis for the third time since 2017. The two leaders held a private meeting lasting 55 minutes, during which they focused on international issues, primarily the Russian-Ukrainian war that has led to a gas crisis and unprecedented price hikes in Europe. Special attention was also paid to the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa, while the Lebanese situation was included in their amicable discussions.
Informed sources confirmed to "Al-Markazia" that both the Pope and Macron expressed concern about the possibility of a presidential vacuum in Lebanon, reiterating the Vatican's and France's commitment to avoiding any constitutional vacancy and not sliding into uncertainty. Both parties have called on Lebanon, on multiple occasions, to restore the importance of its institutions, including electing a president within constitutional deadlines.
The sources emphasize that France and the Vatican seize every opportunity involving heads of states and senior officials to discuss the Lebanese situation. The Vatican's principles regarding Lebanon are well known, focusing on how to assist the country and pull it back from the brink of collapse. There is a willingness to help in all areas, but Lebanon must be prepared to receive this assistance appropriately, referred to by the international community as "implementing reforms," especially those required by the International Monetary Fund.
The sources note that the Lebanese issue is a constant in foreign policy, particularly for France and the Vatican, and if the French do not address it, the Vatican certainly will. The Pope and the French president appeared smiling in photos released by the Vatican, and Macron, as in 2021, removed the formalities between himself and the Pope, addressing him in the singular form. The Pope, bidding farewell to the couple, said, "Pray for me." Brigitte responded, "I pray for you every day."
The Pope and Macron exchanged gifts, with the Pope presenting the French president a bronze medal representing St. Peter’s Square, while Emmanuel Macron offered a copy of "Perpetual Peace" by Immanuel Kant, dated 1796.
Later, Macron met with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Bishop Paul Richard Gallagher. Their discussions covered the situation in France and the ongoing debate within French society regarding issues of refugee reception and the topic of euthanasia, for which France is preparing to launch an agreement aimed at potentially changing the law, a subject the Pope had previously expressed opposition to.
In his speech at the annual Sant'Egidio meeting, Macron addressed the Lebanese issue and the Christians of the East, revealing that religions play a fundamental role in defending principles, as evidenced by the Christians of the East in Lebanon and Mosul, through Armenia, who have demonstrated an example of dialogue and resilience.
During his visit to Rome, Macron also met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and newly appointed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, becoming the first foreign president to hold talks with the far-right leader of "Fratelli d'Italia," who won the elections last September, with both sides later describing the conversations as cordial and pleasant.
