Al-Rahi Advises Lebanese not to Create New Problems over Holy Land Trip
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi expressed regret at the “shameful” criticism of his planned visit to the Holy Land to accompany the pope, urging the Lebanese to resolve their problems rather than create new ones.
In remarks to An Nahar daily published on Monday, al-Rahi said it was his duty to greet Pope Francis in his trip to Jerusalem later this month, in addition to church laws that a patriarch should make pastoral visits every five years.
“I know very well that Israel is an enemy state and occupies Lebanese territories too. I respect Lebanese laws,” he said, adding that he would not meet with Israeli officials.
Al-Rahi regretted that “some Lebanese wanted to create problems out of nothing.”
“Let us resolve our problems rather than create new ones,” he told An Nahar.
The patriarch, who is also a cardinal, urged the people “to stop talking about this subject.”
“It is a shame that the world would have to hear (such a thing) from us,” he said.
His remarks came as church officials appeased fears that al-Rahi would be making a historic mistake in the first visit of a Maronite patriarch to Israel since the state was founded in 1948.
They said the patriarch would avoid political meetings and would not seek to normalize ties with Israel.
But despite efforts to appease critics, As Safir daily said Monday that a delegation of Christian parliamentary and political personalities, who oppose the Jerusalem trip, would visit al-Rahi upon his return from Europe to urge him to back off from his decision.
The delegation could also visit the papal ambassador to Lebanon to “explain to him the sensitivity of the issue and warn him that al-Rahi's trip to the occupied territories would have repercussions on Lebanon.”
As Safir said that several church officials have also criticized the planned trip after al-Rahi took a quick decision to accompany the pope without thoroughly discussing the matter with them.
But Bishop Boulos Sayyah denied to Voice of Lebanon radio (100.5) that any of the bishops had objections to the trip.
He also said that Bkirki's doors were open to visitors.
The Maronite patriarch's visit was not also clear of problems from the Israeli side.
Diplomatic sources said Israel informed the Vatican that it had conditions on al-Rahi's trip, including not shaking hands with any Israeli official.
The sources told An Nahar that Israel could inform al-Rahi about a decision to send a delegation to visit him in an effort to embarrass him, a move that would prompt the patriarch to reassess his decision to go there.
G.K.
D.A.
05 May 2014, 07:54
512
The only ones creating new problems are the terror party, aoun, and their supporters.
05 May 2014, 15:34
26
So if someone travel to the UN mission in NY, then he's a traitor?
05 May 2014, 21:14
23
“I know very well that Israel is an enemy state and occupies Lebanese territories too. I respect Lebanese laws,” he said, adding that he would not meet with Israeli officials.
Al-Rahi regretted that “some Lebanese wanted to create problems out of nothing.”
“Let us resolve our problems rather than create new ones,” he told An Nahar.
The patriarch, who is also a cardinal, urged the people “to stop talking about this subject.”
“It is a shame that the world would have to hear (such a thing) from us,” he said.
shoukran islah wa taghyeer wa ashraf el naas! when will our batrak realize that march 8 is out to screw the country?
05 May 2014, 21:15
23
As Safir said that several church officials have also criticized the planned trip after al-Rahi took a quick decision to accompany the pope without thoroughly discussing the matter with them.
loll march 8 newspapers once again speak the truths lolll yea right!
05 May 2014, 21:16
22
But despite efforts to appease critics, As Safir daily said Monday that a delegation of Christian parliamentary and political personalities, who oppose the Jerusalem trip, would visit al-Rahi upon his return from Europe to urge him to back off from his decision.
The delegation could also visit the papal ambassador to Lebanon to “explain to him the sensitivity of the issue and warn him that al-Rahi's trip to the occupied territories would have repercussions on Lebanon.”
lol who are these MPs? emile rahme? michel mousa? lollll nabil nicoola?
05 May 2014, 10:44
33
Sorry Lebjack, I disagree with you on some points. I do not care if the Patriarch wants to go with the Pope to Israel. I do not see why not. I do totally object to religious figures becoming politicians. Rai has wisely kept low on the political scene, he should focus on religious issues, and maybe push harder on bringing the various religions together in Lebanon to support the total elimination of tribal and supposedly religious affiliations.
05 May 2014, 11:02
14
“I know very well that Israel is an enemy state and occupies Lebanese territories too. I respect Lebanese laws,” he said
LOL then isn't it forbidden by lebanese laws to set foot in israel?
05 May 2014, 11:10
102
Since Rahi became Batrak, he has been talking nonsense and now he is acting non sense. his trip is certainly untimely in light of the current situation in the country. No need to add a controversial trip. I am sure the pope could handle his trip to Israel without Rahi's presence
05 May 2014, 12:05
39
@Southern : You're in no position to comment on Al Rahi. Focus on commenting on your patriarch Hassan Nasrallah who's idea of religion is raising armies for wars !
And what you say about Israel, I agree, but you can say the same thing about Syria who "show its hostile attitude toward lebanon, violates lebanese sovereignty on daily bases"
No double standard Southern !
05 May 2014, 12:09
35
for hezbi lovers syria is not hostile to Lebanon... it is only "friendly fire" and "brotherly"love towards Lebanon... they shell Lebanon for its own good as some lebanese seem to be nasty LOL so like a father syria spanks its child and M8 loves it and thanks them....
it is called = M8 or the art of twisting words! LOL
05 May 2014, 14:06
34
Of course I'm in a position to comment about Hassan. In fact, since Hassan put his nose into my :
- Business
- Freedom
- Land
- Security
- Economy
- Stability
- President
It's my god damn business to curse the hell out of your of your fake Sayyed and fake Cheikh which is nothing but a war driven terrorist behind Lebanon's biggest cancer !
05 May 2014, 13:22
103
This is the first time you have agreed with Patriache Rahi? So everything else he has said or done up until now, you disagree with as a Maronite?
05 May 2014, 14:14
58
zionist, takfiri..... takfiri, zionist
what a delusional terrorist...total failure
05 May 2014, 15:14
48
the wolf is on the loose again. Please someone call the animal control department
05 May 2014, 15:51
70
You guys you should slow down on insults and derogatory comments. you can always disagree politely and in a courteous manner.
You guys should try that approach and hopefully you will like it
05 May 2014, 16:03
23
Lol I think there's some
Rising tension between Christians and
Muslims..no?
05 May 2014, 15:59
51
Lebanon's main problem is that it is ashamed to talk about racism.
05 May 2014, 16:15
50
Wolf
I just find it unfortunate to resort to derogatory comments. it simply defeats the whole purpose of a forum. A forum is a place whereby people expose their differing views not necessarily to agree on one view but to discuss and share respective views. We can disagree yet remain polite, civilized and above all respectful. This is the beauty of freedom and democracy we can agree to disagree in a positive way
I ask you please to refrain from negative comments despite other's derog comments hopefully it will catch on...
am I dreaming?? lol
05 May 2014, 16:42
60
wolf
my point was simply 2 wrongs don't make it right. let them make stupid comments but my point is to simply ignore them
that's all bro as I feel the tit for tat is never ending
again it is your call
05 May 2014, 17:18
03
In February 2013, Patriarch, on Mar Maroun Day made a trip to Damascus on the occasion of the investiture of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Levant and Antioch Youhanna al-Yaziji. This was right in the middle of the Syrian Civil War when many of M14 objected and thought the visit ill advised as giving credibility to the Assad Regime that was then, as now currying the favor of Syrian Christians in its fight against the Syrian Opposition.
There was no objection from the Mukawama or the Aounists, in fact, Aoun went to Syria too, I believe.
05 May 2014, 17:19
03
In February 2013, Patriarch, on Mar Maroun Day made a trip to Damascus on the occasion of the investiture of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Levant and Antioch Youhanna al-Yaziji. This was right in the middle of the Syrian Civil War when many of M14 objected and thought the visit ill advised as giving credibility to the Assad Regime that was then, as now currying the favor of Syrian Christians in its fight against the Syrian Opposition.
There was no objection from the Mukawama or the Aounists, in fact, Aoun went to Syria too, I believe.
05 May 2014, 17:19
03
In February 2013, Patriarch, on Mar Maroun Day made a trip to Damascus on the occasion of the investiture of Greek Orthodox Patriarch of the Levant and Antioch Youhanna al-Yaziji. This was right in the middle of the Syrian Civil War when many of M14 objected and thought the visit ill advised as giving credibility to the Assad Regime that was then, as now currying the favor of Syrian Christians in its fight against the Syrian Opposition.
There was no objection from the Mukawama or the Aounists, in fact, Aoun went to Syria too, I believe.
05 May 2014, 17:24
04
So now we have this situation where Rai is going to Jerusalem. Though M14 is not aligned with Israel, as M8 was with the Assad Regime, M8 objects because the trip does not serve their narrative. Well, the Patriarch is neither M8 nor M14, he is not a member of the Lebanese Government, but is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, serving as one of its Cardinals. The Patriarchate is one of the Symbols of Lebanese National Unity, so he has responsibilities. But it is not empty symbolism. He has demanded of his Christian politicians to act on behalf of the nation and still they act on behalf of their pocket. If I were Rai, I'd tell those who whine, if he is to be considered a symbol of national unity, then treat him like one and not like a pawn in some M8-M14 political game.
05 May 2014, 20:49
00
I would like to read smart comments not the repetitive insults of both m14 and m8 fans that are proving how stupid they are by attacking each other on this site. Talk sense or dont talk at all.
06 May 2014, 00:49
12
The muslims have an issue with the Patriarch going to visit our Holy Sites because of Israel. It is nobody's fault Israel owns the access to this land. We have a right to visit it. Who are Christians to deny muslims to go on a hajj even though this country (KSA) blatantly is anti-Christian?
06 May 2014, 01:54
01
If not m8 , probably lean more towards m14 but not 100% and yet I don't object to his visit
03 July 2014, 17:19
00
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