In a Sunday sermon delivered in Rome, the Maronite patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, issued a strong message related to the political challenges facing Lebanon.
The Cardinal criticized the ongoing political deadlock. He also called upon “the political leaders responsible for the common good to fulfill their duties in legislation, governance, and ensuring stability, and to focus on human dignity, rights, and employment opportunities.”
Rai also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, expressing his concern and criticizing the international community’s role, stating, “The Gospel of justice and human rights is ridiculed by the international community, which is inundating Lebanon with the protection of Syrian refugees.”
He also called for the safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, emphasizing their financial burden on Lebanon, saying, “The cost of the Syrian displacement to Lebanon has reached 49 billion and 690 million dollars since the beginning of the war in Syria.”
Additionally, the Cardinal praised the Lebanese army for its role in maintaining security and stability and criticized accusations against the institution, stating, “We condemn the accusations against the Lebanese army institution” and calling for its respect and support.
He was referring to the speech recently delivered by the head of the FPM, Gebran Bassil, who lashed out at the commander-in-chief of the Army, General Joseph Aoun.
