POPE JOHN PAUL TO VISIT LEBANON IN MAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 1997 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following statement after the meeting this morning between Pope John Paul and Prime Minister Rafic Hariri of Lebanon, who was accompanied by his wife:

"During the cordial meeting, the Holy Father and the prime minister spoke of the Pope's forthcoming visit to Lebanon. Rafic Hariri thanked John Paul II for the pastoral visit he will make.

"In a previous working meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, Rafic Hariri assured him of the full collaboration of his government for the smooth proceeding of the Holy Father's visit.

"Problems relative to peace in the Middle East were also examined.

"I can announce that His Holiness John Paul II will go on a pastoral visit to Beirut, Lebanon, from Saturday May 10 to Sunday, May 11, 1997. The aim of this trip is the celebration of the conclusive phase of the Lebanese Synod which took place in Rome from November 26 to December 14, 1995. The Holy Father will present the results of the synod and publish the post-synodal apostolic exhortation. For the moment the trip's schedule includes a Eucharistic celebration with Catholics and a meeting with young people."
OP/VISIT HARIRI/LEBANON:NAVARRO-VALLS VIS 970224 (210)