Beirut: In an issued statement following the Pope’s visit, former President Michel Sleiman expressed his hope that the “magnificent and exceptional spectacle that accompanied the various stages of Pope Leo XIV’s visit will be a spark that will bring the Lebanese back to thinking about the importance of this nation – the nation of the message – and the necessity of preserving the unity of its people, working to restore the sovereignty of the state and confining weapons to its security institutions.”

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Sleiman emphasized that “this unifying scene renews hope in the hearts of Lebanese youth, and urges them to hold on to their country and strive to build a future worthy of their sacrifices and aspirations.”