Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi affirmed that peace is based on four pillars: truth, justice, love, and the freedom of God's children. There is no peace where there is lies, injustice, and hatred, nor is there peace where there is slavery. In his sermon, he pointed out that the Taif Agreement enshrined the charter of shared living in unity, making Lebanon a common homeland based on the idea of accepting the other. He called for actions that enrich the constitution rather than abolish it.
Al-Rahi emphasized that the President of the Republic is not the head of a family, sect, or faction, but rather the President of Lebanon and the Lebanese people. He stated, "The President of the Republic is the head of state, the guarantor of the common interest of all sects; chaos ensues without him." He believed it is the duty of the parliament, if it is in control of itself, to convene and elect a President, adding, "What the obstructors conceal has become clear."
He said, "Lebanon's neutrality is its essential and fundamental identity that enables it to live its message in its Arab environment. Its neutrality from regional and international conflicts is at the core of the 1943 Charter, the Charter of the Arab League, and Lebanon's official foreign policy since 1943, as well as all United Nations resolutions and all ministerial statements since independence." He insisted that "the failure to elect a President, using unacceptable flimsy excuses, is evident. Recently, we have heard calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as a condition for electing a President. This is condemned and utterly unacceptable."
