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Pope Leo XIV received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Vatican on the morning of August 20, Vatican News reported.
The president also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
According to a statement issued by the Holy See Press Office, discussions at the Secretariat of State “focused mainly on the trilateral framework agreement signed by the United States, Israel and Lebanon, aimed at stabilising the southern borders of the Lebanese Republic and achieving a just and lasting peace”.
“The Holy See, while expressing its satisfaction with the signing of the document, voiced serious concerns over the difficulties arising in its implementation and assured its support for the efforts being made in this direction,” the statement said.
According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, President Aoun reiterated his gratitude to Pope Leo XIV for his efforts in support of Lebanon, aimed at achieving its demands for an end to Israeli occupation and aggression.
According to the statement, during a private meeting with the Pope that lasted about half an hour, Aoun called for continued support for Lebanon’s demands, including requiring Israel to comply with the terms of the framework agreement, immediately cease attacks on villages and infrastructure in the south, as well as on civilians, and withdraw from occupied territories.