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Bkerké (Agenzia Fides) - The Maronite bishops gathered in Bkerké for their monthly meeting chaired by Patriarch Béchara Raï. The meeting discussed several topics, including the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war in Lebanon and "thanks" to the Pope and the Holy See for the recent canonization of the "Martyrs of Damascus" (see Fides, 20/10/2024).
Referring to the conflict that has been tearing apart the Middle East region for over a year, the Maronite bishops expressed "deep concern about the victims and destruction caused by Israeli attacks in many areas of Lebanon". They reiterated their appeal to the international community to "establish an immediate ceasefire and apply UN Resolution 1701 to allow the displaced to return to their homes and put an end to Israeli aggression, which violates Lebanon's national sovereignty." The most recent incident in this context, according to the Maronite bishops, was the kidnapping of Imad Amhaz by an Israeli naval commando in the Lebanese coastal town of Batroun a few days ago.
At the same time, the bishops welcomed "the solidarity of the various religious leaders in Lebanon who have joined forces to condemn the Israeli aggression and to call for a swift solution to protect the displaced."
They also thanked French President Macron, who has decided to convene an international conference in support of Lebanon. While the Maronite bishops continue to hope for an increase in financial aid that will allow the reinforcement of the Lebanese troops, they wanted to "emphasize the commitment of the Lebanese to welcome the displaced with dignity and to strengthen the reception facilities in cooperation with the local authorities and security organizations".
The Maronite bishops also made an appeal to those working in the education sector: they hope that "the Ministry of Education will set up a special central committee representing private and public schools in order to establish a mechanism that can guarantee the school year in all institutions".
Finally, the bishops thank Pope Francis for the canonization of the "Martyrs of Damascus" on October 20 in St. Peter's Square. (Agenzia Fides, 7/11/2024)
