Vatican City: On October 25, 2025, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri at the Vatican. The meeting comes just over a month before Pope’s scheduled pastoral visit to Lebanon from November 30 to December 2, 2025.

During the private audience, discussions centered on Lebanon’s ongoing efforts toward national reform and stability, as well as the broader situation in the region. Following the meeting with Pope, Prime Minister Salam and Deputy Prime Minister Mitri also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

Both sides expressed hope for the achievement of lasting peace across the Levant. The Vatican emphasized its continued support for Lebanon during its political and economic challenges. The upcoming papal visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the Holy See and Lebanon, highlighting themes of peace, interfaith dialogue, and regional cooperation.