BEIRUT — Maronite Church leader Patriarch Bechara Rai reiterated his call on Monday for the election of a president capable of addressing Lebanon’s pressing challenges, ahead of the parliamentary session set for Jan. 9.

"Three days separate us from Jan. 9, the date on which Parliament will meet to elect a president after a presidential vacancy that has lasted more than two years and two months," Rai said during his homily. He urged lawmakers to "agree on an eminent personality who enjoys the confidence of the Lebanese people and friendly nations."

"Given the troubled internal and regional situation, we need to elect a president who is equal to the current challenges, to lead Lebanon to rally and work collectively to face them with wisdom and a peaceful spirit, in order to reach objective solutions".

On Sunday, Rai prayed for "peace for the four days" before Thursday's session, emphasizing that the head of state must "work for national reconciliation, consolidate internal unity and plant hope in hearts and peace in souls."