Miqati: Pope Intends to Visit Lebanon in Autumn 2012

Prime Minister Najib Miqati during a visit to the Vatican on Monday invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit Lebanon next year, an aide from the prime minister's office said.

Miqati’s office in Beirut said in a statement that the visit would take place in the autumn but Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said only that the pope had received the invitation and has "shown an interest" in visiting.

Miqati communicated the official invitation from President Michel Suleiman.

The Vatican did not say whether the pope would accept the invitation but informed sources said a trip is being planned by the Vatican in April in which the pope would present Middle Eastern bishops with an "apostolic exhortation".

The document represents the conclusion of a Middle Eastern synod in 2010 that emphasized the defense of Christian minorities in the Middle East, which have been emigrating for economic reasons and due to pressure from Islamists.

The meeting between the pope and Miqati, accompanied by several members of his family, lasted around 20 minutes.

At the center of the discussions was the "delicate situation" in Syria, the Vatican said, adding: "A general commitment to a resolution based on justice, reconciliation, respect of people and their rights is urgent."

"The fundamental role that Christians can play as advocates of peace and harmony and therefore as essential players for the food of the region, was mentioned," the Vatican added.

If the pope travels to Lebanon it would be his second trip to the region after a visit to Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories in 2009.

The pope is planning another trip next year to Cuba and Mexico.

Earlier on Monday, Miqati said that his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI will contribute to the dialogue between religions.

“Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI was a humble contribution to inter-faith dialogue and Lebanon's message of tolerance,” Miqati said on the social networking site twitter.

He later held talks with Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Foreign Minister Mgr. Dominique Mamberti.

According to the National News Agency, Miqati discussed with the pope the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the Vatican.

The meeting that lasted around 35 minutes tackled the conditions of Christians in Lebanon and the Christian-Muslim dialogue, said NNA.

The premier said he assured the pope and the officials at the Vatican that Lebanon will remain a country that brings together different civilizations and cultures, according to a statement issued by his press office.

“The Lebanese are keen on preserving and strengthening the coexistence between Christians and Muslims,” he added.

The prime minister arrived on Saturday in Rome where a dinner banquet was thrown in his honor by the Lebanese Maronite Order.