Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets Pope Leo XIV in Vatican

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss the ongoing situation in Lebanon. During the meeting, the President expressed gratitude for the Vatican's support regarding Lebanon's demands to end Israeli military actions and withdraw from occupied territories.

President Aoun called on the Holy See to continue its diplomatic efforts internationally to ensure Israel adheres to the terms of the Framework Agreement, which was signed under U.S. auspices on June 26. He emphasized the need for a full Israeli withdrawal to facilitate the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure and the return of displaced citizens to their homes.

Furthermore, the President stressed that these steps must coincide with the Lebanese state asserting full authority over its entire territory, maintaining sole control over decisions regarding war and peace to ensure stability along the borders. The meeting also included discussions with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Foreign Minister Monsignor Richard Gillespie regarding Lebanon's political, economic, and social developments.