Al-Rahi: Hidden Forces Meddling with Lebanon’s Affairs

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi warned on Thursday that the situation in Lebanon may be leading the country towards a “major collapse.”

He said during a visit to the Koura town of Rishdibbin: “Hidden forces are meddling with Lebanon’s affairs resulting in its political, economic, and social problems.”

“We must therefore assume our responsibilities and cooperate together with love and honesty,” he declared.

Addressing Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming trip to Lebanon, al-Rahi said: “It’s no coincidence that he is visiting Lebanon because here is where the pope’s message to the East is launched.”

He hoped that the visit would be not be cancelled over internal disputes and divisions.

“He is visiting Lebanon for the sake of the Christians of the East. The message he will deliver during his trip will serve as a new church spring and the basis of the Arab spring,” noted the patriarch.

On the developments in the Arab world, al-Rahi stated: “The Arab world is now divided and fragmented and it is in need of the Christians of Lebanon and the region.”

“The Christians are not a minority as some claim, but they carry a message of peace and the Bible, which was launched in the region 2,000 years ago,” he stressed.

“We are honored to be a part of this region,” he declared.

The pope is scheduled to visit Lebanon from September 14 to 16.

Speculation was rife that he may cancel the trip due to local and regional tensions, but the Vatican had announced that he will head to Lebanon as planned.