The SIR news agency reported that the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal, announced Feb. 2 that the Pope would visit Lebanon to deliver the postsynodal apostolic exhortation from the synod on the Middle East.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, clarified that «it is true that such a visit is being considered, and the Pope wants to make the trip in connection with the publication of the postsynodal exhortation from the special synod on the Middle East.»
However, «there is not yet any official statement on the matter,» Father Lombardi added.
Benedict XVI was visited by the prime minister of Lebanon last November, and a year ago, by the Lebanese president.
