Pope Francis issued a strong appeal to Lebanon’s political leaders on Sunday, urging them to swiftly elect a president to restore functionality to the nation’s governing bodies.
Speaking from Saint Peter’s Square after the Sunday Angelus prayer, the pontiff stressed the urgency of the situation.
“I address an urgent invitation to all Lebanese politicians to elect the president of the republic immediately,” Francis declared.
He emphasized the importance of Lebanon’s institutions resuming normal operations to implement critical reforms and uphold the country’s legacy as a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.
Lebanon has been grappling with a leadership vacuum since October 2022, when Michel Aoun’s presidency ended.
Despite ongoing efforts, the two main political factions—Hezbollah, backed by Iran, and its rivals—remain deadlocked, unable to secure the majority needed to elect a consensus candidate.
In a renewed push to break the stalemate, parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a presidential election for January 9.
