Title: Patriarch Rahi Emphasizes the Need for Presidential Elections

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi, during his Sunday sermon in Bakirk, pointed out that "it is essential to elect a president for the republic at all costs and to protect institutions instead of planning to overthrow this or that person or manipulating those in charge of this or that institution." He considered it "shameful to hear talk about overthrowing the army commander at such a critical phase in Lebanon's history." Rahi viewed such comments as diminishing the morale of the army, which needs more support and is a source of citizens' trust and stability. He expressed his sorrow over the devastating war in wounded Gaza, fueled by hatred and bombings, as well as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stating that "it is time to give the Palestinians their rights," noting that "everyone we met in Rome expressed concerns about the war spreading to Lebanon."