The Lebanese presidency announced yesterday that Pope Francis will visit the country next June, in a step awaiting the Lebanese who have been mired in an unprecedented economic crisis for a long time.
The presidency said in a statement that the papal ambassador to Lebanon, Monsignor Joseph Spitry, handed the President of the Republic, Michel Aoun, “a written message informing him that His Holiness Pope Francis decided to visit Lebanon next June, provided that the date of the visit, its program and the date of its official announcement” be determined, in coordination between Lebanon and the Vatican.
Aoun said: “The Lebanese are waiting for Pope Francis’ visit to express their gratitude for His Holiness’ interest in Lebanon, and to thank him for the initiatives he took towards their country and the prayers he offered to establish peace and stability in it.”