Aoun in Rome to Meet Pope Francis

President Michel Aoun made his first official visit to Europe and has traveled on Wednesday to Rome where he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Pope Francis on Thursday to discuss the latest developments since his election as president.

Upon his arrival at Rome's Ciampino Airport, Aoun told reporters: “On behalf of the Lebanese I bring to the Pope a message of love that Lebanon has recovered and is on the road to unity.

“Levantine Christians are looking forward to this visit with a glimmer of hope to emphasize that Lebanon remains to be the most powerful model for the future of the East and world.”

The President's first official visit to Europe did not take place in Paris, as the tradition calls, but in the Vatican which could be due to the fact that the mandate of the current French presidency will end in May.

Aoun will hold a closed meeting with the Pope on Thursday before noon. Talks will focus on issues of concern for Lebanon and the Vatican, and about the Christians in Lebanon and the region in light of the developments threatening their presence at more than one level, al-Joumhouria daily reported.

According to media reports, the president will inform Pope Francis of the revival of Lebanon's state institutions, a beneficial effect according to him of the end of the presidential vacancy, and the return of Lebanon on the international and Arab political scene. He will also keep him informed of the ongoing discussions to adopt a new electoral law.

Before the President leaves the Vatican, he will meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.

Aoun will also deliver two speeches at two meetings during his stay, one of them will be on Thursday where he will address the Lebanese community in an assembly called upon by Lebanese chargé d'affaires to the Vatican, Albert Samaha.

Aoun is accompanied by his wife and all the family members, according to the daily.