Patriarch Rai: Yes to the Army, Human Dignity, and an Independent, Free Lebanon

Archbishop Maronite Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai expressed hope that negotiations in Rome regarding the south and sovereignty would end Lebanon’s suffering and bring stability to the south, affirming his support for peace, the state, and the army.

Speaking in his homily from Deimane on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Rai said: "We look forward to negotiations in Rome on the south and sovereignty leading to an end of Lebanon’s suffering and stability in its south, safe return for its people, resumption of reconstruction efforts, and the state regaining its full role and sovereignty, supported by its army in safeguarding the homeland."

On domestic matters, Rai stressed that "the state is not measured by what it grants to those with privileges, but by what it safeguards for those in need," emphasizing that "it cannot be fair if different standards apply between one citizen and another," and that "public office is service and responsibility, and public funds are a trust and dignity."

He pointed out that the Lebanese system is based on "fair participation between Christians and Muslims in governance and administration, based on merit and experience."

He affirmed that the formula of coexistence between Christians and Muslims "is not to strengthen one group over another, but to secure the rights of all as Lebanese, so that each group may then have its due rights."

He continued to emphasize commitment to the state, peace, and the army, stating: "Yes to peace, yes to the state, yes to justice, yes to the army, yes to coexistence, yes to human dignity, yes to an independent, free Lebanon."

He added: "From here, from Deimane, under the gaze of Our Lady of Qanoubine, we remain convinced that this country, which has endured so much, is still capable of rising again, and that Great Lebanon will remain great in its mission, great in the unity of its sons, preserved by God’s care."