BEIRUT — Christian political and religious leaders in Beirut intensified efforts to address the conditions of Christians in the region and to find a solution to the stalemate in Lebanon, where the presidential vacuum has continued since May 25, 2014. Vatican envoy Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, leading a delegation from the Holy See, arrived in Beirut May 29.
A Lebanese official who met with Mamberti spoke about the visit to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He said that the cardinal is no stranger to Lebanon and its issues. He served as the Vatican's secretary for relations with states, the equivalent of foreign minister, from 2006 to 2014, a time of crisis for Lebanon. He is currently the prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.