President Joseph Aoun and First Lady Naamat Aoun attended the inaugural papal Mass of Pope Leo XIV this morning at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, alongside leaders, monarchs and dignitaries from around the world.
Following the solemn liturgy, President Aoun offered his heartfelt congratulations to the new Pontiff, expressing his best wishes for success in his spiritual and humanitarian mission. He announced that he will soon pay an official visit to the Holy See to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to visit Lebanon “in the near future.”
President Aoun praised the Pope’s recent statements in support of peace in Lebanon, especially during his audience with the Eastern Churches delegation, where he declared that “the Holy See will do everything necessary to ensure peace in Lebanon” and emphasized that “the Vatican remains at the service of this cause.”
Pope Leo XIV, in turn, thanked President Aoun and the First Lady for attending the inaugural Mass and affirmed his deep concern for Lebanon, promising to continue praying for its security, stability and the well-being of its people.
The Lebanese President also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, to express his gratitude for the Holy See’s unwavering support of Lebanon. Upon his arrival in Rome, President Aoun noted that his participation in this historic moment reflects the profound and enduring relationship between Lebanon and the Holy See, emphasizing Lebanon’s role as a beacon of coexistence, interfaith dialogue and freedom in a world that desperately needs peace.
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