Pope Leo XIV: May the Blessed Elias El-Hoyek Grant Peace to Lebanon

Pope Leo XIV commented on the announcement of the beatification of the late Maronite Patriarch Elias El-Hoyek in Lebanon, noting that he was a "man of dialogue and hope," and formed a prominent ecclesiastical, social, and political reference, even being nicknamed "Father of Great Lebanon."

The Pope said: "Yesterday, in Lebanon, the beatification of Elias El-Hoyek, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites from 1899 to 1931, was announced."

He added: "May the intercession of the new blessed always accompany the Maronite faithful throughout the world, and may the gift of peace be granted to the entire Lebanese people, so dear to my heart."