According to "Nidaa Al-Watan": The details do not involve the Vatican at all, as this is not its way of working. It considers these matters internal Lebanese affairs. The Holy Father and all officials in the Vatican are concerned about Lebanon as a state, a people, and a message. Lebanon is a consistent priority for the Vatican, not a matter of a specific circumstance or timing. However, there is no specific Vatican initiative regarding the Lebanese file in general or the presidential issue specifically. There are no summons for Lebanese officials or politicians, especially Christian ones, to the Vatican, nor is there a specific timetable for a visit to Lebanon, nor an agenda for meeting any Lebanese figure with Pope Francis, even though the doors of Rome are open to any officials who knock, according to protocol.
This is how the Holy Father and Vatican diplomacy operate; however, this does not mean leaving Lebanon to flounder amid waves of crises. The Vatican does not intervene in any elections in any country in the world, including Lebanon, and its non-reception of any official, political figure, or delegations related to elections has an impact. What is being discussed in Lebanon regarding the invitation of Christian politicians by the Vatican has no basis and is not under consideration by His Holiness the Pope, according to sources connected to the Vatican circles. However, this does not mean that the Vatican is not working towards achieving the presidential elections; the Vatican is interested in Lebanon and follows up on its affairs regardless of what happens in any other country, whether in Ukraine or Gaza. The interest in this file is ongoing and independent of any other issues.
At the same time, there are limits to what the Vatican can do for Lebanon, and it cannot take the place of the Lebanese people. Its current efforts are focused on preventing a major war in Lebanon due to the conditions in the region and the conflict in Gaza. Concerning internal matters, the Vatican is keen to see a president elected as soon as possible.
Vatican officials have been following this file since before the "Flood of Al-Aqsa," with all concerned countries in the Lebanese issue, particularly France, to push for the election of a president. The Vatican is considered the only state in the world that is interested in the "Land of the Cedars" and follows its affairs without any exchange or interest, and Vatican officials are making contacts on this level, but without announcements, according to the same sources. Despite extending a helping hand to Lebanon continuously, the Vatican believes that the ball is in the court of the Lebanese more than any other party.
Regarding the discussions about implementing or amending resolution 1701 and other proposals to spare Lebanon from war with Israel, the Vatican does not engage in these specifics, while it informs all concerned countries of the necessity to prevent a war in Lebanon and that a settlement ensuring stability and peace in this country should be reached.
