In an issued statement following the Pope's visit, former President Michel Sleiman

Former President Michel Sleiman issued a statement following the Pope's visit, in which he hoped that "the magnificent and extraordinary scenes that accompanied every stage of Pope Leo XIV’s visit will serve as a spark, reminding the Lebanese of the value of this nation - a nation of message - and of the need to preserve the unity of its people, restore the authority of the state, and ensure that weapons remain solely in the hands of its legitimate security institutions.”

He added that “this unifying moment rekindles hope in the hearts of Lebanon’s youth, encouraging them to hold fast to their country and to work toward building a future worthy of their sacrifices and aspirations.”