Pope Francis awarded Dr. Salim Sfeir, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Bank of Beirut, a prestigious Vatican honor, the Papal Order of Saint Sylvester, in the rank of Commander, in recognition of his humanitarian and social services and efforts. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, President of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches, conferred this honor upon Sfeir at the congregation's headquarters in Vatican City, in the presence of Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Raï, the Maronite Patriarch, the Lebanese Ambassador to the Vatican, Major George Khoury, Patriarchal Deputy Bishop François Eid, clergy, friends of Sfeir, and his family. Sandri praised "Sfeir's efforts and contributions," while Sfeir expressed his gratitude to His Holiness the Pope, Cardinal Sandri, and Patriarch Raï for "granting him this honor," wishing for "efforts to ensure stability in Lebanon, where Christians and Muslims live in peace." Cardinal Raï congratulated Sfeir on this award, considering it "a recognition for Lebanon and all Lebanese people.