Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rahi met Wednesday afternoon with United States Ambassador to the Holy See Calista Gingrich at the Pontifical Patriarchal Institute in Rome.

The hour and a quarter meeting was a chance to dwell on "the latest developments in the Middle East and on America's role in keeping Lebanon away from the repercussions of what is happening in the region and alleviating the burdens of the displaced issue."

The Patriarch stressed "the need to neutralize Lebanon from all conflicts and to protect its leading role in the region as a factor of moderation, stability and dialogue."

Meanwhile, it is to note that Patriarch al-Rahi will partake in the National Independence Day ceremony at the invitation of Lebanon's Embassy in Italy. He also participated in a similar ceremony organized by the Lebanese Embassy at the Holy See

Source: NNA