Al-Rahi Hopes God Would Enlighten Minds of Rival Politicians

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi held on Sunday the bickering politicians responsible for the deadly bombings targeting Lebanese cities and towns and hoped that God would enlighten their minds.

In his sermon during mass he celebrated in Bkirki, al-Rahi said: “We hold the political parties and all those refusing reconciliation and obstructing the cabinet formation responsible for the ongoing explosions.”

The purpose of the government should be the human being and not portfolios, he said in a veiled reference to Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun who has been dubbed as the last person standing behind the failure to form the cabinet.

Aoun has rejected a deal reached between rival parties on the rotation of portfolios in a 24-member cabinet based on the 8-8-8 formula.

“Let's pray that the Lord enlightens the minds of our officials so that we could overcome the crises,” al-Rahi said.

The Nusra Front in Lebanon claimed on Sunday responsibility for a deadly suicide car bombing in the northeastern town of Hermel.

It said it was to punish Hizbullah, which fights alongside forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

It is the third bombing that the Nusra Front in Lebanon claimed responsibility for in the country.

Al-Rahi said it is the duty of the patriarchate to issue a national charter on the occasion of St. Maroun.

The document, which is expected to be issued following the monthly meeting of the council of Maronite bishops on Wednesday, holds onto the national principles and sets the priorities for a better future, the patriarch said.

The charter is based on three factors - national principles, concerns and priorities – al-Rahi said earlier this week.