Beirut: President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, delivered a heartfelt address this evening to welcome His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Beirut.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the President expressed profound honor and joy on behalf of the Lebanese people, emphasizing Lebanon's historical and spiritual significance as a land that unites faith and freedom.
President Aoun highlighted the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of Lebanon, referencing its mention in the Holy Scriptures as a land of elevation, steadfastness, and sanctity. He emphasized the significance of Lebanon as a historic site, home to sacred landmarks such as the Hasbani river, which flows into the Jordan river where Jesus was baptized. The President also noted the importance of Lebanon's devotion to the Virgin Mary and its unique celebration of the Annunciation Day as a national holiday.
The President addressed the significance of Lebanon as a nation of freedom and dignity, where Christians and Muslims coexist with equality under a constitution that promotes openness and equality. He reiterated Lebanon's role as a model of coexistence and highlighted the need to safeguard this unique national identity.
President Aoun also acknowledged the support of the Holy See and previous popes in defending Lebanon's unity and sovereignty. He recalled statements by Pope Paul VI, Saint John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI that emphasized Lebanon's importance as a message of coexistence, pluralism, and freedom.
In his address, President Aoun urged Pope Leo XIV to convey Lebanon's resilience to the world, affirming the country's commitment to peace, hope, and reconciliation. He invited the Pope to support Lebanon's mission to remain a beacon of love, innovation, and harmony in the region and the world.