In his sermon for the New Year, Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai emphasized that it is the responsibility of the parliament, “if it values its own dignity,” to convene and elect a president. He criticized those who insist on a ceasefire in Gaza as a prerequisite for the presidential election, dismissing such demands as “futile and unacceptable excuses.”
The Patriarch underlined that the president of the Republic is not a leader of a specific family, community, or faction but is the president of Lebanon and its people. “The president of the Republic serves as the head of state and ensures the well-being of all communities,” he stated, emphasizing that without a head of state, chaos prevails.
He urged for actions that align with the enhancement of the Constitution rather than actions that undermine it.
Patriarch al-Rai reiterated the importance of Lebanon’s neutrality, describing it as “its core identity,” allowing the country to fulfill its mission in the Arab region.
Highlighting the Taif Agreement signed in 1989, the Patriarch emphasized that it solidified the commitment to coexistence and unity, transforming Lebanon into a shared homeland founded on the acceptance of diversity.
