Patriarch Al-Rahi: Coming to Tripoli Requires a Nod, Not a Request

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi affirmed that "coming to Tripoli does not require a request, but just a nod; we are coming to Tripoli, dear to our hearts." He said this during a celebratory mass held at St. Maroun Church in Tripoli, in the presence of several city representatives. "No matter what events occur, they are just dust that cannot remove the essence of the city," he noted, adding, "We pray today in celebration of this city so that it continues in its fundamental role as a city of shared living, and to restore the city’s economic and social role." He further stated, "As they say, Tripoli is the mother of the poor; those who want to shop have no choice but to come to Tripoli," expressing regret that it has become "the mother of the poor." For his part, Deputy Ashraf Rifi emphasized that today’s meeting confirms "our true shared existence, and unfortunately, they have repeatedly attempted to demonize the city, which is the opposite of what they wanted it to be; this city is one of Islamic-Christian coexistence." Meanwhile, Deputy Eli Khoury confirmed the pursuit to restore Tripoli's role as the second capital of Lebanon, considering its social and economic aspects and its Islamic and Christian components.