Before heading to the Vatican to meet His Holiness Pope Francis, Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, on Monday welcomed in Bkerke Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, with whom he discussed the country’s current situation.

Mikati indicated in a chat with reporters before the meeting, that "Lebanon's spring is near, God willing, with the blessings of Patriarch Al-Rahi."

In the wake of the meeting, which lasted for approximately an hour, Mikati pointed out that he was in "constant contact with His Beatitude and that they both saw eye-to-eye on the need to elect a president as soon as possible,” adding that “without a political solution, it is not possible for Lebanon to exit the current crisis."

Mikati stressed that public institutions must continue to operate in line with the growing tasks of the caretaker cabinet. 

The PM finally addressed those who criticized the ministerial sessions by suggesting that they elect a president for the republic instead “because it is the door to salvation."