Pope Francis sent a message to Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi to greet him on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his election as Patriarch of Antioch. Papal Ambassador to Lebanon, Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, recited the following message after the ceremonial mass that His Beatitude presided on the occasion, in the presence of Maronite Bishops at the patriarchal headquarters in Bkerke:

“I gladly offer you my greetings along with my warm wishes and prayers on the occasion of the feast of your patron saint, Our Lady of the Annunciation. I also share your joy and thank you. I ask the God of Mercy to bestow upon you his power to carry out the duties of your episcopal mandate in the service of your Patriarch and the universal Church, especially during this dubious period as a result of the pandemic. I ask the Virgin Mary for intercession and your protection. From the depth of my heart and with great affection, I grant you the apostolic blessing that I give with all affection to the family of the Maronite Antiochian Patriarchate.

– Pope Francis”

The Patriarch also received a message of greetings from the Secretary of the Vatican State, His Excellency Cardinal Pietro Parolin, which reads:

“On the occasion of the celebration of your patron saint’s day, I offer you my fraternal best wishes and join you in my prayers for all your intentions.”

– Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State. ”

Vatican State Secretary for Public Affairs, Deputy Secretary of State for Public Affairs, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, also sent a message of congratulations to the Patriarch, in which he said:

“In addition to my best wishes, I offer you my warm wishes through my prayers, and I ask you, Your Beatitude, for the most sincere acceptance of my respect and honest feelings.”