Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi renewed his call for the election of a new head of State, emphasizing the importance of a presidential vote as a solution to the country's challenges.

In his Sunday sermon, the patriarch underscored the importance of electing a president, which he described as "the key to solving our crises," outlining the consensus on this matter among Lebanon’s religious leaders. 

Al-Rahi noted that he submitted to Pope Francis three documents detailing Lebanon's current political and social situation, alongside a statement from the Christian-Muslim spiritual summit hosted recently by the Maronite Patriarchate. According to the patriarch, the Pope expressed his commitment to preserving Lebanon's unique mission in the region and supporting the role of Christians. 

The patriarch also expressed support for a recent Paris conference held in support of Lebanon, which outlined a diplomatic roadmap aimed at mitigating the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He also emphasized the importance of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for peace and security along Lebanon's southern border. 

Concluding his sermon, al-Rahi offered prayers for the victims of hostilities that have been raging in Lebanon and extended his condolences, particularly to the families of fallen Lebanese soldiers and the journalists who were killed in a recent Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.