Lebanon hopes Vatican will 'pressure' Israel to implement agreement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hopes Pope Leo XIV can continue diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel into implementing the framework agreement mediated by the United States, by halting attacks and withdrawing from occupied Lebanese territory.

Aoun conveyed his hopes during a visit to the Vatican on Thursday (20/8), where he first met with Pope Leo XIV before holding talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Richard Gallagher.

According to a statement from the Lebanese Presidential Office, Aoun requested that diplomatic efforts continue in various international forums to compel Israel to implement the provisions of the framework agreement, which was mediated by the US and signed on 26 June, and to halt its attacks on Lebanon.

“President Aoun also asked the Holy Father (Pope Leo XIV) and the Holy See (Vatican) to support Lebanon in achieving the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, thereby paving the way for the reconstruction process,” according to the presidential office statement.

“That is the only way to achieve security and stability at the border,” Aoun said.

Aoun’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV and Vatican officials also discussed the political, economic and living conditions in Lebanon, as well as Israeli attacks on Lebanese villages, infrastructure and civilians.

Aoun arrived at the Vatican Apostolic Palace at 9.30 a.m. local time (2.30 p.m. Western Indonesia Time). The meeting between Aoun and Pope Leo XIV was held privately for around half an hour, before Aoun met with Parolin and Gallagher.

The visit took place amid continuing violations by Israel in Lebanon, despite the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel having been signed on 26 June.

According to Lebanon, Israel has continued to carry out attacks since 2 March, killing more than 4,000 people and wounding more than 12,000 others. The attacks have also displaced more than one million people and caused widespread damage.

Israel still occupies a number of areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous attacks on Lebanon in 2023-2024.

In the latest offensive, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.