Pope Francis announced Sunday that he will invite Christian leaders of Lebanon to the Vatican on July 1 to pray for "peace and stability" in their country.

Lebanon has been witnessing a double economic and political crisis since late 2019, the worst since its 1975-1990 civil war.

More than half of the Lebanese population now lives below the poverty line. 

Meanwhile, the political leaders involved in the debates still have yet to agree on a new government to replace the caretaker government headed by Hassan Diab, who resigned in the wake of the bloody Beirut port explosion last year.

"On July 1, I will meet in the Vatican with Christian leaders in Lebanon, to spend a day of reflection on the country's worrying situation and to pray together for the gift of peace and stability," the Pope said.

During Sunday prayer, the Pope urged the faithful to "perform prayers of solidarity accompanying the preparation for this occasion, to advance towards a more peaceful future for this beloved country."