Lebanon's New President Joseph Aoun Visits Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Al-Rahi and Speaks with the Vatican's Cardinal Parolin

The Vatican Secretary of State expressed his hopes for positive developments in Syria and with the election of the new president of Lebanon.
The Holy See Press Office announced that Cardinal Parolin spoke this afternoon with the new President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, who was elected on January 9.
“During the cordial phone call,” a statement read, “His Eminence congratulated him on his election to the Presidency of the Republic and extended his best wishes, assuring him of his prayers."

"Cardinal Parolin also noted with pleasure," it added, "the prompt appointment of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam earlier today.”

On Friday evening, January 10, 2025, the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun, visited the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke, where he was received by the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, who congratulated him on his election as President of the Republic, wishing him success in achieving what he pledged in his inauguration speech .

President Aoun arrived at the Patriarchal Palace at 6 pm, where he was received at the main entrance by the Patriarchal Vicar, Bishop Antoine Awkar, and the Director of Media and Protocol in Bkerke, Lawyer Walid Ghayyad. At the entrance to the Patriarchal Wing, Patriarch Al-Rahi received President Aoun.
President Aoun and Patriarch Al-Rahi headed to the Grand Hall, where memorial photos were taken. Then, a one-hour private meeting began, during which Patriarch Al-Rahi praised the “content of the inauguration speech,” describing it as “the rescue roadmap for Lebanon.” He also noted the “wide local, Arab, and international support that President Aoun’s election received, which helps achieve the desired rescue.”

Patriarch Al-Rahi said: The joy of the Lebanese people at your election reflects their confidence in you personally and in your national stances that they have experienced in the various missions you have assumed, especially during your leadership of the army. For his part, President Aoun thanked Patriarch Al-Rahi for the support he received from him throughout his career in leading the military institution, expressing his confidence that this support will continue in his presidential career.

Then, President Aoun and Patriarch Al-Rahi discussed the general situation in the country and the steps that the President of the Republic intends to take in the next stage. Before President Aoun left Bkerke, he met with the bishops of the Patriarchate who congratulated him on his election. Patriarch Al-Rahi was keen to accompany the President of the Republic.
Sources: Vatican News and Abouna.org