Pope promises Lebanon visit, calls for end to political deadlock

Pope Francis promised Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Thursday that he would visit the country but only after political forces put aside differences for the good of the people.

The Vatican said Hariri, who will also meet with Italian leaders during a short visit, held talks with the pope for about 30 minutes.

Hariri told Lebanese television afterwards that the pope would visit but only once its fractious politicians were able to agree on a new government.

"I explained to His Holiness Pope Francis the problems we are suffering from and asked His Holiness to help Lebanon," Hariri said.

"His Holiness the pope will visit Lebanon but after a government is formed. And this is a message to the Lebanese, that we must form a government so that everyone can gather... to revive Lebanon with our friends," he said.

A Vatican statement said Francis "reaffirmed his closeness to the Lebanese people, who are living through very difficult and uncertain times, and spoke of the responsibility of all political forces to urgently commit themselves to the good of the nation."



REUTERS