Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi urged Lebanese leaders to pay heed to the people's demand for political stability and de-escalation amid intensifying regional conflicts, emphasizing that “the people are the source of authority and sovereignty, exercised through constitutional institutions.”
In his Sunday homily, Patriarch Al-Rahi questioned the apparent disconnect between political leaders and public sentiment, particularly in the absence of a consensus over Lebanon’s presidency, which has left the country’s highest office vacant for two years. He also highlighted the continuing paralysis in Parliament and the Cabinet, further complicating Lebanon’s response to the broader crisis surrounding it.
“Where is the voice of the people amid the ongoing failure to elect a president and the stagnation of both Parliament and the Cabinet?” Al-Rahi asked, noting the country’s pressing need for functional governance.
He also addressed the destructive conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has escalated fears of further regional destabilization, especially with the use of increasingly powerful weaponry.
The patriarch expressed concern over the impact of potential escalations on Lebanon, stressing the consequences of prolonged hostilities.
“In war, everyone loses and suffers,” Al-Rahi stated. “There is still no ceasefire... for how much longer?"
“The continued displacement of people will only add further complications, making it crucial to preserve private property in these uncertain times," he cautioned.
The patriarch also underscored the importance of national unity and called for greater protection of educational institutions, which have been under strain amid the country’s political and economic challenges.