Aoun from Rome: Lebanon Stands Firm in Its Mission of Freedom and Dialogue

Ahead of Pope Leo XIV's First Mass

President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and First Lady Nehmat Aoun, arrived this afternoon at the Ciampino military base in Rome to represent Lebanon at the first papal mass of Pope Leo XIV, which will be held tomorrow morning in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

In a brief word upon arrival, Aoun said: "I am honored to return to the Holy See, after having previously participated in the farewell of His Holiness Pope Francis, to witness a new historic moment with the inauguration of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This return, in essence, is not merely a protocol participation, but rather an affirmation of the deep ties and solid relationship that unites Lebanon and the Holy See, a relationship that has extended throughout history."

Aoun continued: "I extend my warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, wishing him success in his great mission, which transcends the boundaries of the Church to touch the hopes of millions and embodies the message of convergence and solidarity, not conflict and fighting, which our world needs today."

The President added that in the Pope's address to the delegation of Eastern Churches participating in the Jubilee of Hope celebrations, His Holiness said that peace in Lebanon will be part of his concerns, hoping that the Holy See will continue to serve this noble goal.

Aoun also reassured that Lebanon, with its sectarian and religious diversity, will remain more faithful than ever to its historic mission of freedom and pluralism.

He said: "For my part, I affirm that Lebanon, with its historic mission extending to the core of humanity, will accompany these steps and will remain a key partner in the process of promoting dialogue and understanding, supporting efforts to end conflicts and consolidate stability, and remaining present in the process of defending universal values to build a more just and compassionate future."