Bkerk©: Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, on Thursday received Saudi Ambassador, Walid Bukhari, where discussions focused on Pope Leo XIV's historic visit to Lebanon and its anticipated impact. Bukhari praised the visit as one that 'reaffirms Lebanon's historic role as a maker of peace and a center for dialogue among religions,' expressing hope that all Lebanese will embrace the Pope's messages of reconciliation and coexistence to advance much-needed peace in the region.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Patriarch Al-Rahi later welcomed a delegation of Maronite faithful from U.S. dioceses, accompanied by Bishop Abdallah Zaidan of the Our Lady of Lebanon Eparchy in Los Angeles. The group visited to receive the Patriarch's blessing following their participation in the papal events. Bishop Zaidan conveyed the delegation's joy at meeting the head of the Maronite Church, describing the pilgrimage as 'exceptional and graced by an encounter with His Holiness, who chose Lebanon, the land of the Cedars, for his first apostolic visit after his election.'
Patriarch Al-Rahi commended the delegation's presence and highlighted the profound messages delivered by the Pope during his visit. He said the bishops will 're-examine the papal texts and draft an action plan inspired by the call to establish peace,' noting that the Pope left with a vivid and positive impression of Lebanon and its people.
Al-Rahi added that the rainfall during the visit was seen as 'a sign of heavenly blessing,' and expressed cautious optimism: 'The drums of war seem to have quieted. Yesterday, the appointment of Ambassador Simon Karam as head of the Lebanese delegation to the U.S.-Lebanon military mechanism marked a positive first step on the path to peace.'