[BEIRUT, LEBANON] Lebanon welcomed Father David Nazar, the Rector of the Pontifical Oriental Institute after 20 years since his last visit to Beirut in 1998. Also known under its short name, the Orientality was established in 1917 on extraterritorial Vatican grounds, to serve as a home for higher studies and research on the Oriental Churches. Today, the Orientality supports the relations — both community-based and diplomatic — with the countries east and south of Rome.

Father Nazar was hosted by the Provincial Order of the Jesuits in the Middle East and North Africa to further collaborative efforts between the Orientality and its local counterparts.

Family venture, The Zovighian Partnership, also hosted Father Nazar for a series of meetings and a private dinner, in the spirit of furthering friendship and diplomacy between the Vatican, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the broader Arab World.

“Throughout history, the Vatican has always played a very important role in diplomacy, ensuring that the principles of humanity always govern international affairs and relations,” explained Father Nazar as he presented a seven-volume series of correspondent letters and memos between the Vatican and the international community before, during, and after the Armenian Genocide.

“The Vatican must be appreciated as first and foremost a patron for humanity and protector of what is right. Lebanon needs to play an active role in furthering its relations with the Vatican so that our country may be even further supported by the global leadership of the Papacy and its institutions,” said Lynn Zovighian, Managing Director of The Zovighian Partnership.

The Zovighian Partnership is a family-owned social investment platform, established by father and daughter in 2013. Deeply invested in R&D, we are committed to delivering ethical, inclusive, and innovative design, research, and prototypes.