Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Barolin, emphasized that "the Lebanese model must be preserved in this region that is witnessing numerous conflicts," expressing hope for "everyone's cooperation to find exits from the crisis and to develop solutions that bring hope to Lebanon and its people." Barolin's statement came during a gathering with Christian and Islamic leaders invited by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi at the patriarchal residence in Bkirki. The event was attended by Catholicos of the Armenian Orthodox, Aram I Keshishian, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholics Rafael Minassian, Patriarch of the Greek Catholics Joseph I Absi, the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox represented by Bishop Mar Severius Roughe, and the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox represented by Bishop Elias Audah. Also present were Grand Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, Sheikh of the Druze Community Sheikh Sami Abou Al-Mouna, Head of the Alawite Islamic Council Sheikh Ali Qaddour, Papal Nuncio Monsignor Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Delegate for the Latins Bishop Cesar Ayyash, Head of the Latin Church Bishop Michel Kassarji, and bishops Samir Mazloum, Hanna Alwan, Paul Sayegh, Antoine Awkar. There was no representative from the Shiite community despite an invitation from the Higher Shiite Islamic Council.
The meeting was also attended by the head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gebran Bassil, head of the "Maronite" Movement Sleiman Frangieh, MP Pierre Bou Assi representing the head of the "Lebanese Forces" Party Dr. Samir Geagea, and MP Nadim Gemayel representing the head of the "Kataeb" Party Sami Gemayel.
At the beginning of the meeting, Patriarch Al-Rahi welcomed all attendees and addressed Cardinal Barolin, saying, "We are happy with this meeting, with the presence of this Lebanese family living today through a very difficult phase. I hope we can remind everyone of the importance of praying for peace and the end of wars that the region and Lebanon can no longer bear. We also hope that your visit will be an opportunity for peace to prevail in Lebanon, and we convey to His Holiness Pope Francis, through you, all our respect and prayers, as he never ceases to mention and pray for Lebanon, which gives us hope we so desperately need. We are children of hope and expectation."
Barolin then delivered a speech stating, "I am happy with the invitation from Your Beatitude and pleased to be with you today. I salute all present from spiritual and religious dignitaries and heads of parties and sects. I bring you greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, who closely follows developments in Lebanon, a country that has always received the Vatican's attention as the homeland of the message through its ability to live together and work for the good of Lebanon. Today, Lebanon must remain a model of coexistence and unity amid the ongoing crises and wars. I am here today to help reach a solution to Lebanon's crisis as represented by the failure to elect a president, by trying to find solutions that suit everyone, and I hope we can all reach a solution to the ongoing crisis."
Afterward, Patriarch Al-Rahi held a luncheon in honor of Cardinal Barolin and all attendees.
