Almost every sermon delivered by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi calls for the election of a president of the republic according to constitutional frameworks and for the parliament to fulfill its constitutional duties, primarily electing the head of state through continuous electoral sessions. Bkerke is rarely vacant of visitors from various sects who speak to Patriarch Al-Rahi, update him on developments concerning the presidential file, and express their concerns about the current situation, especially in light of the war in Gaza and the threat of its expansion further into Lebanese territory.
Given this precarious reality, alongside a presidential vacancy that has lasted for a year and five months—where all internal and external attempts thus far have failed to breach the wall of the presidential crisis—a number of Christian parties have submitted to Patriarch Al-Rahi documents containing proposals for resolution or specific visions, while others have called for dialogue among Christian leaders at the patriarchate, with the latest being the head of the "Free Patriotic Movement," MP Gebran Bassil.
In this context, a church source spoke with "Wardna," noting that while Christian-Christian meetings in Bkerke are reported in the media, this matter is not currently on the table. He clarified that Bkerke seeks to resolve the impasse and is working with all parties to find a way out of the persistent crisis.
It is essential to confirm that Bkerke's historically national role transcends sects. Calling Christian leaders to meet in Bkerke implies acknowledgment that the problem with the presidential election primarily lies with the Christians, which is not accurate whatsoever, as the real problem resides with the "Shiite duo" that obstructs the presidential process by withdrawing from previous electoral sessions and now is linking the issue to developments in Gaza. Bkerke has always stood by the constitution and calls for its application without evasion, hypocrisy, deceit, or deals. The Christians agreed on nominating former Minister Jihad Azour, yet no consecutive sessions were held to elect him or anyone else. Thus, the claim that the obstacle is Christian is incorrect; had intentions been sincere, the president would have been elected when the Christians reached a consensus.
The source noted that the current concerns of the Christian street are the same as those of the Sunni and Druze communities. This is evident from the visits of officials to the patriarchate from various sects and regions. The question arises: as there is agreement on concerns, why is there no consensus on finding solutions? Where is the constitution? Bkerke thinks in national terms rather than sectarian ones and calls for the application of the constitution without ambiguity.
Regarding talk of a document being prepared in Bkerke, involving representatives from Christian parties, movements, blocs, and independents, the clerical source stated that multiple entities have submitted their documents to Patriarch Al-Rahi, whose stance on national issues is well known. Some parties are attempting to do something to potentially break the current deadlock. Unfortunately, some officials tie the country's fate to external developments. Meanwhile, the people are experiencing a phase of despair and frustration, no longer possessing the capacity to go to the streets to compel MPs to elect a president or dissolve parliament to elect a new one.
As long as one team wants to link the Lebanese issue to regional files—especially regarding what is happening in Gaza and the outcome of negotiations concerning Palestine—it means that the presidential entitlement remains at square one despite notable diplomatic activity in this context. The clerical source considered that the patriarch is currently holding onto a lifeline to rescue Lebanon for peace, with the first step being the election of a president, but there is another party pulling from the opposite end, dragging the country toward war. Here, there is a need to rely on individuals who possess patriotism, dedication, and "humanity" from various sects, as many exist, to save the country from sinking.
