Raï: Nations are not preserved by arms

Yesterday 10:45

The Maronite Patriarch, Béchara Raï, stated on Saturday that nations are not preserved through weapons but through living conscience, values, and faith. His remarks, delivered during a mass at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in Bsalim, Mount Lebanon, carried an implicit criticism of Hezbollah and called for reconciliation, respect for humanity, and the building of a nation based on truth rather than fear.

Patriarch Raï emphasized that peace cannot be built on slogans. He described the current situation in Lebanon as painful and exhausting, noting that the country continues to face daily attacks and violations. According to him, the population lives in uncertainty, anxiety, and fear, while repeated crises deepen public frustration and division.

He also highlighted that Lebanese citizens aspire to live with dignity, peace, and stability, stressing the need for collective responsibility. “We are partners in this nation and responsible for its future,” he added.

His statement comes in the context of ongoing tensions in Lebanon. The country has been affected by renewed conflict dynamics since March 2, when Hezbollah became involved in a new escalation with Israel. A ceasefire that took effect on April 17 was recently extended for 45 days following negotiations between Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington. Despite the truce, deadly Israeli strikes and retaliatory actions linked to Hezbollah continue to affect the country.