Cardinal Bechara Rai Archives

Mideast patriarchs tell pope they’re concerned about Christian survival

Feb 10, 2020

In a private meeting with Pope Francis, Catholic patriarchs of the Middle East had an opportunity to sound the alarm regarding the survival of Christians in the region as a result of persecution, extremism, economic insecurity and immigration to the West.

By Doreen Abi Raad

Mideast Catholic patriarchs pray for those suffering, appeal for dialogue

Dec 26, 2019

Against a backdrop of anti-government protests in Iraq and Lebanon, at Christmas, Catholic patriarchs in the Middle East spoke of continued suffering.

By Doreen Abi Raad

Lebanon’s Catholic leaders urge protesters to remain peaceful, civilized

Nov 18, 2019

While Lebanon continues to be engulfed in a massive protest movement, the country’s Catholic leaders called on demonstrators to be peaceful and civilized.

By Doreen Abi Raad

Lebanese, protesting in streets, want a changing of the guard

Nov 6, 2019

Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese are hitting the streets across the country to demand an end to rampant corruption and poor public services. Cutting across sectarian lines, they also want the current government of entrenched politicians dating back to Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war era to step down.

By Dale Gavlak

Lebanon’s Maronite bishops call for unity as prime minister resigns

Oct 30, 2019

Lebanon’s Maronite bishops, commending the unity of the Lebanese people amid a peaceful mass uprising demanding a new government, called for a “constructive spirit” following the resignation of the country’s prime minister.

By Catholic News Service

Lebanon protests receive backing from religious leaders

Oct 24, 2019

Anti-government rallies received major support Wednesday from the country’s Christian and Muslim leaders who described the weeklong protests as “a historic and exceptional popular uprising” against corruption and mismanagement and appealed to the government to meet the demands of the people.

By Bassem Mroue and Hassan Ammar