Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi emphasized the severe political crisis in Lebanon, which has left the country without a president for a year, with no justifiable reason.

He attributes this to a deliberate violation of the constitution, as the state's foundations crumble, and the financial, economic, and living conditions worsen.

“The Lebanese people are suffering, and their best and brightest are emigrating, while the number of Syrian refugees continues to grow, reaching over one and a half million,” Al-Rahi noted.

The Patriarch called upon the international community to assist these refugees within Syria, enabling them to rebuild their lives in their homeland, preserving their wealth and history.

In an opening statement during the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon, Al-Rahi noted the shadow of a looming war between Israel and the Palestinians along our southern borders. While condemning the brutal, destructive, and displacement-oriented war against the Palestinian people, he expressed solidarity with them and supported a two-state solution.

He urged the international community to halt this war and all the violence, destruction, displacement, and desecration it entails in the land sanctified by the blood of Christ.

Al-Rahi also called on Lebanese officials to insulate Lebanon from the consequences of this devastating war, play a political and diplomatic role supporting the Palestinian cause, and adhere to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and military operations by both sides.

He strongly condemned the heinous massacre of innocent children, students at our Catholic schools, in the Convent of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Ain Ebel.

He stood by the families of the victimized students, their schoolmates, the school's administration, and the religious community of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Al-Rahi called upon the Church's members in Lebanon and all institutions to hold a prayer vigil to end all forms of violence and asked for divine wisdom for the officials to work for the well-being of every citizen, especially in the Holy Land.

He expressed deep sorrow for the entire family that perished yesterday in South Lebanon and offered condolences and prayers for them.

"The hope for Lebanon remains in the reliable Lebanese army, supported by international forces, ensuring security in the South, the borders, and all Lebanese regions. For the country's stability, it is crucial to fortify the Lebanese army, stand by it, and refrain from interfering with its leadership until a president is elected,” he stated.

“The military institution is currently facing a critical juncture that threatens the country's security. It is not in the state's interest to make any alterations in leadership at this time. Urgently needed is the election of a president, enabling the functioning of all institutions,” he went on saying.

The Patriarch pointed out that Lebanon recognizes all freedoms according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, among the first countries to sign it.

“The foremost freedom is the freedom of conscience and belief. Lebanon promotes cultural and religious diversity within unity and rejects religious, ideological, and decision-making uniformity. It embraces a parliamentary democratic system and a free economy while preserving citizens' rights and dignified living,” he emphasized.

Al-Rahi stressed that Lebanon adopts the concept of coexistence as a condition for the legitimacy of political authority.

“If the authorities breach this agreement, they lose their legitimacy. The governing formula in Lebanon was historically based on equal and parallel participation between Christians and Muslims in governance and administration, not on sectarian power-sharing among political parties and blocs. This is a violation of the essence of the national pact,” he said.

He questioned how deliberately abstaining from electing a president for a year violates Lebanon's unique agreement, where the absence of a head paralyzes the entire body.

“The President, the House Speaker and the Prime Minister are entrusted with interlinked legislative and executive powers, granting the state its highest legitimacy,” Al-Rahi indicated.

"We cannot accept the violation of freedom, which is above all considerations and individuals. In the interest of the nation, its land, people, and institutions, all interests and considerations evaporate, and anything to the contrary is a grave breach of the constitution,” he concluded.