Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East discussed the situation of Christians in the Middle East, as well as developments in Syria and Lebanon, during a meeting at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on September 14.

According to the Press Office of the Antiochian Patriarchate, the two religious leaders focused on ongoing conflicts across the region and their consequences for local populations, including migration and the forced displacement of civilians.

Speaking about Syria, Patriarch John X stressed that Christians are an integral part of Syrian society and should enjoy equal rights alongside other citizens. He said restoring stability would require strengthening civic cohesion, social peace and the principle of equal citizenship.

Regarding Lebanon, the patriarch called for an end to the continuing escalation in the country's south and urged support for state institutions working to halt the conflict. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue among Lebanon's political and social forces.

The leaders also discussed the fate of two Orthodox metropolitan bishops of Aleppo, Paul Yazigi and John Ibrahim, who were abducted more than a decade ago. Patriarch John X underscored the need to find a resolution to the case.

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the historic role of the Antiochian Church in the Middle East and its importance in promoting dialogue between East and West, as well as between the Arab and Muslim worlds. He reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to supporting stability and peace in Syria, Lebanon and other countries across the region.

On the same day, Patriarch John X held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Their discussions covered the broader situation in the Middle East, migration and the condition of Christian communities.

The patriarch also met with Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, and Cardinal Mario Zenari, the former apostolic nuncio to Syria. The meetings highlighted the need for cooperation among Christian churches in addressing the challenges facing people across the Middle East.