Rahi Meets Pope Francis at Vatican, Presidential File a Focal Point

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi met on Saturday with Pope Francis at the Vatican where the problematic presidential issue was the focus of talks, the state-run National News Agency said.

The meeting between the two men lasted for over an hour.

Afterwards, al-Rahi met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

Reports have said earlier that al-Rahi was to carry the Lebanese issue in all its complexities and hurdles that have prevented the election of a president to the Vatican where he is set to hold talks with Pope Francis, according to An Nahar daily.

He was set to discuss the developments and the efforts that have been exerted lately in order to unite the Christian position over a candidate for the top state post after 20-month of political deadlock, added An Nahar.

The meetings held in Bkirki with several figures have paid off and led to reconciliation and appeasement in the Christian circles, it added.

On Monday, Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea officially endorsed from Maarab the candidacy of his long-time rival Change and Reform bloc leader MP Michel Aoun.

Geagea, who is himself a candidate, pulled out of the presidential race in favor of Aoun, in an attempt to close Christian ranks and resolve the country's 20-month political deadlock.

The Patriarch is said to ask the Vatican for additional efforts in order to overcome the internal and external hurdles preventing the election of a president.

Lebanon has been without a head of state since the term of President Michel Suleiman ended in May 2014.

Conflicts between the rival March 8 and March 14 camps have thwarted all efforts to elect a successor.