Maronite Patriarch Rai Marks 15 Years Amid Lebanon Crisis | Vatican News
Beirut/Vatican City – – Cardinal Bechara Boutros Rai, the 86-year-vintage Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church, marked 15 years as head of the Church amidst a deeply critical period for Lebanon. Pope Leo XIV has extended his warmest congratulations to the Patriarch on the anniversary, assuring him of his spiritual closeness and prayers, according to reports from the Patriarchate.
Born on , in a mountain village east of Beirut, Rai was ordained a priest in . He served as Bishop of Jbeil, the ancient Byblos, from until his election as Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and of the whole Orient by the Synod of the Maronite Church in Bkerke on . His inauguration took place on , and on the same day, Pope Benedict XVI granted him ecclesiastical communion, as stipulated by canon law for the Eastern Catholic Churches.
In , Pope Benedict XVI elevated Rai to the College of Cardinals. He participated in the conclave that elected Pope Francis in . The Patriarch too serves as President of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon.
Globally, there are approximately 3.3 million Maronite Christians, with around 1.2 million residing in Lebanon. The Maronite Church is by far the largest church in the country. Since an agreement during Lebanon’s declaration of independence in , and its subsequent incorporation into the country’s constitution, the President of Lebanon has consistently been a Maronite Christian. This close connection between religion and politics imbues the Patriarchate with significant political importance.
Rai assumed his role as head of the Maronite Church with the intention of unifying Lebanese Christians, strengthening ecumenism and dialogue with Muslims, and reforming his Church. He has consistently called for reconciliation among religious communities and political factions in Lebanon, and has been a vocal critic of Lebanese politics, urging reform in the face of widespread discontent. Lebanon has been experiencing its most severe economic and social crisis in its history for years.
The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict between the Shiite Hezbollah militia and Israel, which escalated following the renewed violence between the two in the context of the Israeli-American war against Iran. The Patriarch recently described the situation as a “war imposed upon us,” rejected by both the Lebanese government and the population.
In recent years, the Patriarch has increasingly voiced criticism of Hezbollah, warning that the Iran-backed group threatens to lead the country to ruin. His outspokenness reflects the deep anxieties within Lebanon regarding the militia’s growing influence and its impact on the country’s stability and sovereignty.
The timing of the anniversary coincides with a period of intense regional instability. Lebanon’s geographical position, bordering Syria and Israel, makes it particularly vulnerable to external conflicts. The presence of approximately two million refugees, including Syrians and Palestinians – roughly one-third of the population – further exacerbates social tensions and strains already limited resources. The economic crisis, characterized by rampant inflation and currency devaluation, has left basic services lacking, with frequent power outages and shortages of medicine and fuel.
The role of religious institutions, particularly those linked to the Catholic Church, has become increasingly vital in supporting the population in the absence of a fully functioning state. Cardinal Rai’s leadership is seen as crucial in navigating these challenges and advocating for a peaceful and prosperous future for Lebanon. Pope Leo XIV’s message of support underscores the Vatican’s continued concern for the situation in Lebanon and its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation in the region.
The Pope’s arrival in Lebanon, anticipated as early as , as reported by Vatican News, would mark the first papal visit to the country in 13 years. The visit, framed by the motto “Blessed are the peacemakers,” is intended to focus on peace and offer spiritual and moral support to the Lebanese people. Preparations for the visit are underway, though the exact timing remains dependent on a decision from the Vatican.
Prior to Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Journey included a visit to Türkiye, where the focus was on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. The potential for a combined visit to Turkey and Lebanon suggests a strategic approach to addressing interconnected regional challenges. Reports also suggest Algeria is under consideration as a potential destination, reflecting the Pope’s interest in following in the footsteps of St. Augustine.