Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara al-Rai confirmed, after his meeting with the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, that “the discussion dealt with the results of the ongoing negotiations in Rome, in addition to the most prominent national issues and public affairs.” Al-Rahi pointed out that “the Vatican stands by Lebanon and is keen to support it, calling on the Lebanese to live up to this interest and trust.” He praised the positions of the President of the Republic, considering them "honorable and patriotic, and give confidence and reassurance to all Lebanese." Al-Rahi stressed that “the current stage requires unifying positions and rallying around the state and its institutions, to confront the challenges and protect Lebanon.”