The Maronite bishops of Lebanon have appealed for a just resolution to the war in Gaza and called on the international community to intensify pressure on all parties involved in the conflict.
The call was issued in a communiqué released on Wednesday at the conclusion of their monthly meeting at the Patriarchal residence in Bkerke, presided over by Cardinal Béchara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites.
Also in attendance were the Superiors General of the Maronite monastic orders.
“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,” the statement read.
The bishops also expressed their “joy at the election of Pope Leo XIV,” noting, “We congratulate His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on assuming the Petrine ministry as head of the Catholic Church.”
Turning to regional developments, the bishops said they are following “with great interest the acceleration of political and diplomatic events in the Middle East and their possible repercussions for Lebanon.”
They emphasized that Lebanon “faces a unique opportunity on the path to security and reform that should be seized.”
In light of this, they called on Lebanon’s political leaders “to take the decisive measures expected by all Lebanese regarding the recovery of the State and its exclusive authority on fundamental and vital issues.”
Addressing the situation in Syria, the bishops welcomed the easing of international sanctions, stating their “satisfaction at the lifting of the financial and economic sanctions imposed on Syria.”
They noted that the change “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 communiqué read.
