Archbishop Bechara Raï, during his Christmas homily on Dec. 24, 2024 in Bkerkeh. (Credit: Photo from the Maronite Patriarchate Facebook account)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai expressed "confidence" and "optimism" about the upcoming electoral session on Jan. 9, 2025, which could end Lebanon's more than two-year presidential vacancy. Speaking during his Christmas homily on Tuesday in Bkerkeh, Rai called the prolonged stalemate "shameful" and an "unjustified" breach of Lebanon’s Constitution.
The homily, broadcast on Facebook by the Maronite Patriarchate, also placed the presidential election "within the framework of the Holy Year 2025."
Rai criticized the political paralysis, attributing it to "the lack of self-confidence of the nation's deputies, who are waiting for a name to be whispered to them from abroad."
The political deadlock stems from deep divisions between Lebanese political parties. Since Michel Aoun’s presidency ended in October 2022, 12 parliamentary sessions have failed to elect a successor. The most recent session, in October 2024, was called off due to a lack of quorum, with only 49 of 128 deputies in attendance — far short of the 65 required.
'No salvation' without Lebanon's neutrality
In his address, Rai emphasized Lebanon’s need for "active neutrality."
"There can be no salvation for Lebanon unless it returns to a culture of active neutrality, which is the very nature of its political system," Rai declared. "There must be one army, not two. One policy, not two. We must not enter into wars, conflicts or alliances, but defend our sovereignty." His comments came in clear reference and criticism to Hezbollah’s role in opening a support front for Gaza after Oct. 7, 2023.
Rai argued that neutrality is key to restoring Lebanon’s regional role as a hub for dialogue and cultural exchange. "Neutrality is not a political position, but an economic one," he said, adding that it facilitates "economic and human relations" with other countries.
This culture of neutrality "enables Lebanon to play its role as a place of encounter and dialogue between cultures and religions, and as a defender of peace and understanding in the region," Rai added.
Several potential candidates have been proposed for the presidency, including Joseph Aoun, commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Army, and Sleiman Frangieh, a candidate supported by the Amal-Hezbollah alliance.
'Spirit of Christmas'
On Christmas Eve, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri extended his holiday greetings to all Lebanese, particularly Christian communities.
"On this Christmas Eve, we are all called to approach our challenges — human, political, and social — through the spirit of Christmas: with compassion, love, humility, tolerance, reconciliation, and honesty," Berri said.
UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander, General Arnaldo Lazaro, also conveyed holiday greetings. Writing on social media platform X, Lazaro said: “As the holiday season approaches, I wish peace to all. UNIFIL peacekeepers from around 50 countries continue their work to support stability, hoping that everyone can celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.”
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