Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi called on Thursday for a national conference to address Lebanon’s ongoing challenges and heal old wounds, stressing the need for unity among the country's local factions.

During a meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese Press Syndicate, the Patriarch emphasized that such a conference has long been needed. He proposed an international conference as an alternative should a local gathering prove impossible.

Al-Rahi expressed concern over Lebanon’s foreign allegiances, asserting that while friendship with foreign powers is acceptable, loyalty to Lebanon must remain the priority.

"Lebanon’s problem stems from the allegiance some have to foreign powers. Friendship with the outside world is one thing, but loyalty is another. The loyalty of all Lebanese must be solely to their country," al-Rahi said.

When asked about the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias in Lebanon, al-Rahi acknowledged that while this issue is a long-term goal, it will require both time and patience.

“The time has come to place weapons in Lebanon under the State's exclusive control, as stipulated by the Taif Agreement. The army needs strengthening, and international support is crucial. But the solution now must be diplomatic, because we are not capable of enduring another war. No one can confront Israel alone. What has the resistance achieved with all its weapons in the face of the Israeli military?” he asked.

Al-Rahi emphasized that although disarming militias is vital for Lebanon’s future, achieving this goal will not be simple.

"It is not easy to disarm now; it requires time, and we must eventually reach that point," he said.

The Patriarch also addressed the broader issue of normalization with Israel, stressing that now is not the time for such discussions.

"There are many issues that need to be resolved first, such as border demarcation and the surrender of non-state weapons," he added.

Al-Rahi also touched on recent developments in Syria, where Christians had initially been reassured by the arrival of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces in Aleppo and Damascus. However, he noted that the subsequent violence and large number of casualties, particularly along the Syrian coast, had caused significant unease within the Christian community. Despite this, al-Rahi pointed out that patriarchs and bishops remain in Syria, staying cautious but committed to their presence.

“The situation is strange. There were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, and now there are only 300,000,” al-Rahi observed. “But there is no fear for Christians in Lebanon in light of what is happening in Syria.”