During the ceremony for the coronation of Pope Leo at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the representative of Israel’s Druze community, shook hands publicly in front of cameras. This gesture sparked strong reactions across the Arab world.
The event took place during the festive coronation of Pope Leo, who was recently chosen to serve. The ceremony was attended by world leaders, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“The President Did Not Recognize Him”
Following public pressure in the Arab world, the Lebanese presidency quickly issued a clarification, stating: “While President Joseph Aoun was on his way to his seat at the papal mass, a Druze religious figure approached him, shook his hand, and the president did not recognize him. It was later revealed that the figure was Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, a representative of the Druze in Israel. The president had never met him before.”
The statement continued: “The photo published by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation is propaganda that does not reflect the truth. The president was unaware that this was an Israeli representative.”
Lebanese Public Outrage
The event triggered strong reactions in the Arab world, with many viewing the handshake as politically unacceptable. On social media, calls emerged to condemn President Aoun and even to boycott him.
Sources in Lebanon claimed that the president had fallen into an Israeli diplomatic trap and was unaware of Sheikh Tarif’s identity when shaking his hand.
Pope’s Appearance
The coronation of Pope Leo took place at the Vatican, attended by dozens of world leaders. Israeli President Isaac Herzog was also present at the event, during which he sent a message of friendship and respect to the pope, even inviting him to visit Israel.
