Mamberti Expresses Vatican's Grave Concern over State Institutions

Papal envoy to Lebanon former Foreign Minister Monsignor Dominique Mamberti stressed Monday that the Vatican is deeply concerned over the crises gripping Lebanon.

“We hope that dialogue resolves the current situation and maintains stability of institutions,” Mamberti told reporters after talks with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at the Bustros Palace.

The Vatican's dispatched envoy described Lebanon as a “model in a difficult world conquered by violence.”

“It is important to maintain coexistence.”

He pointed out that he reiterated Pope Francis' stance regarding the situation in Lebanon, saying: “He is stressing the importance... of cooperation between its factions.”

Mamberti said that he is in Lebanon to convey the pope's solidarity with the Lebanese.

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

Mamberti is reportedly in Lebanon to highlight the importance of electing a new head of state to safeguard Maronites and Christians.

He 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.

His visit 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.