Vatican Fears Presidential Vacuum to Impact Christians in Region

The Vatican is gravely concerned over the yearlong presidential vacuum, deeming it a hazard that threatens the existence of Christians in the Middle East.

Maronite bishop Samir Mazloum stressed in remarks published in al-Joumhouria newspaper Saturday that the Vatican dispatched former Foreign Minister Monsignor Dominique Mamberti to Lebanon to highlight the importance of electing a new head of state to safeguard Maronites and Christians.

“The presidential stalemate is getting more complicated,” Mazloum said, revealing that Papal Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Caccia has been seeking during meetings with party leaders to reach a breakthrough in the crisis.

“The weakness of the Maronites in Lebanon is negatively impacting the Christians,” Mazloum warned, describing Maronites as “the backbone of Christians in the region.”

He pointed out that the Vatican directly intervened to resolve the presidential deadlock to support the Christians in the Middle East amid their exodus from Iraq and Syria.

Mazloum told the daily that Mamberti will hold several meetings in Bkirki to discuss the presidential crisis and to push forward the election of a new head of state.

Mamberti arrived on Friday in Lebanon on a 7-day official visit as the Vatican is seeking to press forward the election of a new head of state amid the sharp rift among the political arch-foes over a consensual candidate.

“I will meet several officials and political leaders to tackle local affairs, in particular the presidential vacuum,” Mamberti told reporters upon his arrival in Lebanon.

Vatican’s dispatched envoy comes in light of Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi's visit to Paris in May, where he met with French President Francois Hollande.

Lebanon has been without a president since May last year when the term of Michel Suleiman ended without the election of a successor.

Ongoing disputes between the rival March 8 and 14 camps over a compromise candidate have thwarted the election.

Hizbullah's Loyalty to the Resistance and MP Michel Aoun's Change and Reform blocs have been boycotting the polls over the dispute.

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