November 28, 2011. (Romereports.com) Benedict XVI visited with the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in a 35 minute meeting, discussing bilateral relations between the Holy See and Lebanon.
The two spoke about the peaceful relations of Christians and Muslims in the country. As well as the situation of religious freedom throughout the Middle East. The pope expressed concern over the number of Christians that have fled from the region.
Prime Minister Mikati also invited the pope to visit his country in the coming year. If he were to go, it would be the second time the pope has traveled to the Middle East after his 2009 trip to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The visit to Lebanon would most likely take place next September.
Benedict XVI also met with the Prime Minister's family and other members of his delegation.
Afterward, the Prime Minister sat down with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Bertone. They recalled how John Paul II had once said that Lebanon's example of peaceful coexistence between religions served as a model for the rest of the world.
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