Lebanon is always present in the Vatican, in prayer of course, but also in more ways through constant efforts to protect this unique nation as an unparalleled model, especially in this troubled region. Lebanon had a significant share of discussions between Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron, including agreement on essential steps that must be taken, starting with the urgent need to elect a president for the republic.
In a spontaneous conversation during the weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope remembered Lebanon in his way while speaking with a young Lebanese man who greeted him among the attendees. Sharboul Bastouri, the public relations officer at the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate, who shared a candid photo with the Pope on social media, relayed the conversation to MTV. After introducing himself in French as "Sharbel from Lebanon," the Pope replied, "I love Saint Sharbel, and I pray for Lebanon. It is always in my prayers."
According to Bastouri, Lebanon has a significant moment today in Rome, as a delegation from the Armenian Catholic Church attended the inaugural session of the beatification process for Cardinal Gregory Peter XV Agagianian, which begins today at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in the Italian capital. This marks a renewed connection between Lebanon and holiness, with the Pope's prayers ongoing as the nation of the mission awaits his promised visit last summer, which did not occur. Hopefully, this will return to his schedule of visits, as after all this suffering, this country deserves some hope.
