Sister Mariam An-Nour’s presence stood out among the technocrats, diplomats, and religious leaders accompanying President Emmanuel Macron to the Vatican on April 10, 2026, to meet with Pope Leo XIV. Sister Mariam directs Carmel Saint-Joseph, a French-speaking school near Beirut, Lebanon. She told I.Media she "entrusted" her country, facing heavy bombing from Israeli forces, to the Pope.
<em>As bombs fall on Beirut, a Lebanese school principal joined French President Macron at the Vatican to ask the Holy Father for help saving her pluralistic nation.</em>
A brief but powerful encounter
You joined President Emmanuel Macron at the Vatican for his meeting with Pope Leo XIV. How did it go?
Sister Miriam An-Nour: I came with the official delegation to accompany the president on the occasion of this visit. After his private meeting with the Pope, we were able to greet the Holy Father. I entrusted Lebanon to his care. I asked Leo XIV to continue helping us save my country.
Our exchange was very brief. Then, we took a group photo with the Pope. Afterwards, we left for Villa Bonaparte [the French embassy to the Holy See, Ed.]. There, we had a long lunch with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. During the meal, the president asked me to describe my work in Lebanon.
Building fraternity through education
What did you say at the lunch?
Sister An-Nour: I described our school, Carmel Saint-Joseph. Our school welcomes children from every religious group in Lebanon. Our project is to promote living together, in order to build fraternity and peace. This is a non-confessional project. It promotes a healthy secularism that brings people together.
We work to form citizens to be aware of their heritage and their land. Yet, we keep them open to the world through our French curriculum. Culture can truly provide students with a buffer between themselves and what is happening to them, preventing them from succumbing to passion or sectarianism. We teach them to keep a distance from their circumstances and to develop a critical spirit. Most importantly, we help students meet as citizens of one country who want to build it together.
The Pope’s attentive response
How did the Pope react to your plea for Lebanon? Did he seem receptive?
Sister An-Nour: Yes. He visited Lebanon a few months ago. I had the chance to meet him then. During that visit, he truly heard the country’s suffering and its hopes. And during this Vatican audience, I felt his deep attention again, even though the time was short and limited. I didn't say anything else to him; that was all that mattered to me and all I wanted to tell him. I felt he truly listened to me.
Lebanon as a bridge of democracy
Are France and the Holy See vital friends for Lebanon during this crisis?
Sister An-Nour: Yes. France has always stood by Lebanon, and President Macron has been clear about his support for our country, just like the Vatican. We can count on these strong friendships, these very strong bonds that unite us. Our country is a democracy, a bridge country between East and West. Lebanon is a mediator. We must save it at all costs.
You return home tomorrow. How are you following the news?
Sister An-Nour: People update me regularly. Yesterday was a terrible day, as you know... Last night and this morning were a bit calmer. I don’t know the situation this afternoon yet. I’ve been very busy with this meeting.
