The Maronite Patriarch, Béchara Raï, during the Pope's meeting with the youth, on Dec. 1, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
In May 1997, Pope John Paul II blessed the Lebanese gathered in the streets from his popemobile during his historic visit to Lebanon. Beside him stood the then Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, who was everywhere to be seen throughout the pontiff’s stay in Lebanon.Nearly three decades later, Bechara al-Rai, the current Maronite patriarch, appears to have taken a step back from the visit by Pope Leon XIV this week, according to many observers.The attitude raised several questions about the real reasons behind this position, and above all, about the state of relations between the Holy See and the Maronite Patriarchate at a time of political tension in Lebanon and the region.Those close to the Maronite Patriarchate prefer to steer clear of political interpretations. They say Patriarch Rai has reached an age at which physical movement is...
In May 1997, Pope John Paul II blessed the Lebanese gathered in the streets from his popemobile during his historic visit to Lebanon. Beside him stood the then Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, who was everywhere to be seen throughout the pontiff’s stay in Lebanon.Nearly three decades later, Bechara al-Rai, the current Maronite patriarch, appears to have taken a step back from the visit by Pope Leon XIV this week, according to many observers.The attitude raised several questions about the real reasons behind this position, and above all, about the state of relations between the Holy See and the Maronite Patriarchate at a time of political tension in Lebanon and the region.Those close to the Maronite Patriarchate prefer to steer clear of political interpretations. They say Patriarch Rai has reached an age at which physical movement...
