ASIA/LEBANON - “An end to the war in Gaza; Syrians must be given the opportunity to return to their country”

Beirut (Agenzia Fides) - "The Maronite bishops hope and pray for an end to the war in the Gaza Strip, which is causing death, hunger, disease, and epidemics among the civilian population, and call on the international community to exert pressure on all parties to the conflict to find just solutions," said the Maronite bishops of Lebanon in a communiqué issued at the end of their monthly meeting at the Patriarch's residence in Bkerke. The meeting was presided over by Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites. Also present were the Superiors General of the Maronite monastic orders.
The Maronite bishops expressed their joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV: "We congratulate His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on assuming the Petrine ministry as head of the Catholic Church," the bishops stated.
The bishops of the Maronite community declare that they are following "with great interest the acceleration of political and diplomatic events in the Middle East and their possible repercussions for Lebanon" and add that, in their opinion, Lebanon "faces a unique opportunity on the path to security and reform that should be seized." They therefore call on those responsible for the government in Beirut "to take the decisive measures expected by all Lebanese regarding the recovery of the State and its exclusive authority on fundamental and vital issues."
With renard to the situation in Syria, the Maronite bishops express "their satisfaction at the lifting of the financial and economic sanctions imposed on Syria." "This," they emphasize, "will have a positive impact on the security, stability, and unity of the Syrian people, enabling the country to have the necessary investment capacity to ensure jobs and economic recovery." "This, in turn, will reduce the burden of the displacement of its populations in neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, as a prelude to their return to their homeland and their contribution to its reconstruction and development," the bishops conclude. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 22/5/2025)

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