Vatican City, Aug 2026 : Pope Leo XIV on Thursday received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Vatican, with discussions focusing on the security situation in southern Lebanon and efforts to implement a US-brokered framework agreement involving Lebanon and Israel.
The meeting comes amid continued tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, where military activity has persisted despite a temporary ceasefire. The Vatican said the talks reflected its continued concern over the difficulties surrounding implementation of the agreement and reaffirmed the Holy See’s willingness to support diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Following his meeting with Pope Leo XIV, President Aoun held talks with Holy See Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and focused primarily on the Trilateral Framework Agreement signed by the United States, Israel and Lebanon. The agreement is aimed at stabilising Lebanon’s southern borders and creating conditions for a “just and lasting peace”.
The Vatican welcomed the signing of the agreement but expressed serious concern over the challenges encountered in putting its provisions into practice. The Holy See also assured the Lebanese leadership of its support for initiatives designed to facilitate implementation and reduce tensions in the region.
The Lebanese Presidency said President Aoun expressed gratitude to Pope Leo XIV and the Holy See for their continued support for Lebanon and their efforts to promote stability. Aoun urged the Vatican to maintain its backing for Beirut’s demands, particularly its call for Israel to fully implement the terms of the framework agreement signed under US auspices on June 26.
Aoun also called for an end to what Lebanon describes as continuing Israeli attacks, particularly those affecting civilians, villages and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. He urged the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, saying such steps would help create conditions for reconstruction and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
The Lebanese President further stressed that the restoration of stability must be accompanied by the extension of the authority of the Lebanese state across the country, including the southern regions.
The Vatican meeting took place against the backdrop of renewed tensions in southern Lebanon. Military operations have continued despite a temporary ceasefire reached with Israel on April 17. Israel has maintained that its operations are directed against Hezbollah personnel and infrastructure, while the Lebanese government has repeatedly criticised the ongoing military actions.
The situation has also been complicated by political uncertainty surrounding the next phase of negotiations. The eighth round of US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel has yet to be scheduled. The discussions are expected to focus on advancing the framework agreement and developing a broader roadmap towards stability and peace.
For the Holy See, the engagement with Lebanon reflects its wider diplomatic emphasis on protecting civilians, supporting displaced communities and promoting dialogue as a means of resolving regional conflicts.
President Aoun’s visit therefore carries significance beyond bilateral relations between Lebanon and the Vatican. It comes at a critical moment for southern Lebanon, where the implementation of the framework agreement remains uncertain and the humanitarian and security situation continues to pose serious challenges.
The Vatican’s renewed commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts signals its desire to contribute to a durable settlement that can safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, facilitate reconstruction and create conditions for the safe return of displaced populations.
