The Apostolic Nuncio in Lebanon, Paolo Borgia, met several political and religious figures on Wednesday who came to offer their condolences for the death of Pope Francis, at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Harissa. He also granted the state-run television channel Tele-Liban exclusive rights to broadcast these condolences.

Msgr. Borgia met Information Minister Paul Morcos as well as a delegation from the Higher Islamic Shiite Council, led by Sheikh Ali Khatib.

“Pope Francis always emphasized the importance of constructive interfaith fraternity in a country and society like Lebanon,” said the prelate. Khatib stated that “the world will keep an indelible memory of Pope Francis, of his dialogue and the agreement concluded with the Sheikh of al-Azhar, of his visit to Najaf in Iraq, and his meeting with Imam al-Sistani.”

Among those who came to offer their condolences in Harissa were the ambassadors of Kazakhstan, Korea, Spain, Italy and France; Matthew Hollingsworth, coordinator of the World Food Program in Lebanon; the Chaldean Archbishop of Beirut, Michel Kassarji; the Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Order, Hadi Mahfouz; the Armenian Catholic Archbishop Gregor Padisha; the President of the General Maronite Council, Michel Matta; as well as former Minister Ziad Baroud and academic Daoud Sayegh. A delegation from the Order of the Good Shepherd, a delegation from Caritas, and another from the Nawraj Foundation and the Order of the Sacred Heart were also present.

Pope Francis passed away from a stroke on Monday at the age of 88. His funeral will take place Saturday morning in St. Peter's Square, where hundreds of thousands of faithful are expected to gather. As was the case for John Paul II in 2005, dozens of heads of state and royalty will also attend the funeral of the head of the Catholic Church, which will be held under heavy security.