Vatican expresses ‘serious concerns’ over Israel-Lebanon deal implementation

The Vatican expressed serious concerns on Thursday about the challenges in implementing a US-mediated agreement between Israel and Lebanon, following a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. During a 30-minute private audience at the Vatican, Aoun urged the pontiff to support Beirut's push for Israeli forces to withdraw from south Lebanon, as stipulated by the agreement.

The Holy See, while welcoming the document's signing, expressed serious concerns over implementation difficulties and pledged its support to address these issues. Lebanon and Israel initiated direct talks with US sponsorship after Hezbollah's attack on Israel in March, leading to Israel's airstrikes and ground invasion. The June framework agreement calls for Hezbollah disarming, Israeli forces' gradual withdrawal, and the Lebanese army's deployment in pilot zones.

Despite a lull in fighting, Israel has continued limited strikes and demolition operations in south Lebanon, operating in a 10km deep strip inside Lebanon. At the Vatican, Aoun met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Paul Richard Gallagher, focusing on the US-mediated deal. Aoun called for the Pope's support in achieving a full Israeli withdrawal and ending attacks, urging Vatican officials to continue diplomatic efforts.

This was the second private audience between Pope Leo and Aoun, with the Chicago-born leader previously visiting Lebanon and advocating for de-escalation in the Middle East.