Al-Rahi Meets Vatican Foreign Minister and Cardinal Sandri, Reception Scheduled in his Honor

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi held talks Monday night with the Vatican Foreign Minister Dominique Mamberti as part of his trip to the European country, which started on April 11.

On Tuesday, the patriarch met with Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.

Later in the day, a reception will be held in al-Rahi’s honor by Lebanon’s Ambassador to the Vatican, George Khoury, during which he is also scheduled to meet with Lebanese expatriates residing in Italy.

The patriarch is set to meet with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday.

He is also scheduled to celebrate mass at St. Peter’s Basilica during which he will express gratitude to the pope for his confidence.

Al-Rahi will return to Beirut at the end of the week.