Pope Francis Urges Lebanon to Elect New President

Pope Francis has urgently called on Lebanese politicians to elect a new president immediately to restore the functionality of the country's governing institutions. Speaking at Saint Peter's Square, he emphasized the need for Lebanon to undertake necessary reforms and maintain its role as a model of peaceful coexistence among different religions. The country has been without a president since Michel Aoun's term ended in October 2022, leading to a two-year leadership vacuum. Lebanese parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri has scheduled a presidential election for January 9, but the two main political blocs, Hezbollah and its opponents, lack the majority needed to elect a consensus candidate. The Pope's call highlights the pressing need for political resolution in Lebanon amidst ongoing instability.