Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Vatican on Thursday as the two sides discussed the continuing tensions in southern Lebanon and the need for a peaceful and lasting solution. The meeting came at a difficult time for Lebanon, with military operations continuing in the south and uncertainty surrounding efforts to implement an agreement involving Lebanon, Israel and the United States.
The meeting between Pope Leo and President Aoun highlighted the Holy See’s continued concern for Lebanon and its people. Following the private audience with the Pope, Aoun held further discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
The talks at the Secretariat of State focused mainly on the Trilateral Framework Agreement signed by the United States, Israel and Lebanon. The agreement is intended to help stabilize Lebanon’s southern borders and create conditions for a just and lasting peace.
The Holy See welcomed the signing of the agreement but also expressed serious concern about the difficulties surrounding its implementation. Vatican officials said they remain ready to support efforts aimed at putting the agreement into practice and helping bring greater stability to the region.
For Lebanon, the issue is particularly urgent because violence has continued in the south despite the temporary ceasefire reached with Israel on April 17. Lebanese authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about attacks affecting civilians, villages and important infrastructure.
After his meeting with Pope Leo, President Aoun thanked the Pope and the Holy See for their continued support for Lebanon. According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun asked the Vatican to continue supporting Beirut’s position and its efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and people.
Aoun particularly called for Israel to fully implement the terms of the framework agreement, which was signed under United States mediation on June 26. He also called for an end to daily attacks in southern Lebanon, especially those affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The Lebanese president also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories. He said such a step would help create the conditions needed to rebuild damaged communities and allow people who have been displaced to return to their homes.
Another important issue raised by Aoun was the authority of the Lebanese state. He stressed that security and political arrangements in southern Lebanon should be accompanied by the extension of the Lebanese government’s authority across the country.
The situation remains complicated because Israel and Lebanon continue to have sharply different views about the military activity taking place in southern Lebanon. Israel says its operations are directed against Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel. Lebanese authorities, however, continue to condemn the military operations and warn about their impact on civilians and communities.
Political discussions aimed at finding a longer term solution have also faced delays. The eighth round of United States mediated talks has not yet been given a date. Those discussions are expected to focus on advancing the framework agreement and creating a clearer roadmap toward peace between Lebanon and Israel.
The Vatican meeting therefore carried significance beyond the diplomatic discussions themselves. Pope Leo has repeatedly emphasized the importance of peace, dialogue and the protection of civilians in areas affected by conflict. His meeting with Aoun offered an opportunity for the Holy See to reaffirm its support for Lebanon at a time when the country continues to face serious security and political challenges.
Lebanon has also been dealing with the wider consequences of years of instability, including economic difficulties, displacement and pressure on public services. Continued violence in the south adds another burden to communities already struggling to recover.
For President Aoun, international support remains important as Lebanon seeks to strengthen the authority of its institutions and protect its territory. For the Vatican, the priority remains the protection of human life and the search for a peaceful solution that can provide security for communities on both sides of the border.
The meeting between Pope Leo and President Aoun did not produce an immediate breakthrough, but it underlined a shared concern about the fragile situation in southern Lebanon. As diplomatic efforts continue, the Holy See has made clear that it is prepared to support steps that can lead to stability, reconstruction and a peace that is both fair and lasting.