The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Rahi affirmed that “the Parliamentary elections this time is not a political pleasure, but rather a service, struggle, and democratic confrontation, because we are approaching great choices in the coming months and the new presidential era. Lebanon cannot remain in a non-state, chaos, collapse and loss.”

He added in his Sunday sermon: “Parliamentary elections should take place on time, and the decision should return to the people to say the word of truth and good choice, so that the opportunity for change is not lost. It is not permissible under any pretext to circumvent this constitutional entitlement.”

Rahi said: “The Church calls for peace, not for war, for negotiation not for using weapons, because war and weapons cause destruction, kill innocent victims, and displace people. We affirm the concept of neutrality, which is neither against human rights and peoples, nor against international laws.”