Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi called for hope and prayer as Lebanon approaches the crucial presidential election scheduled for January 9.

Speaking during his Sunday sermon, the patriarch addressed the Lebanese people, underscoring the urgency of ending the prolonged vacancy in the presidency, which has persisted for over two years.

“We, along with the Lebanese people, look forward to January 9, when Members of Parliament will respond to the Speaker's call to elect a new President of the Republic,” Patriarch Al-Rahi stated, describing the ongoing presidential vacuum as “shameful and unjustifiable.”

The patriarch urged lawmakers to elect a president whose qualifications meet the nation’s pressing needs at this critical juncture.

“We pray that the MPs of this nation will elect the most suitable president, one equipped to lead during this unique historical period,” he said.

“Lebanon needs a president who commands trust both domestically and internationally,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of a leader who believes in institutions and is committed to revitalizing them.

The patriarch also pointed to the urgent need for economic recovery and the reconstruction of homes destroyed across the country during the recent conflict. Additionally, he stressed the importance of structural reforms, institutional renewal, and fostering national unity among citizens.