Bkirki: An expanded meeting was held at the Patriarchal See in Bkirki on Sunday, as part of the "Day of Love and Solidarity" dedicated to the South, bringing together Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi, Papal Nuncio Paolo Borgia, Information Minister, Attorney Dr. Paul Morcos, alongside several members of parliament, municipal and church officials, as well as mayors, mukhtars, priests, and residents of the affected southern villages.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting turned into a unified platform for presenting the actual on-ground situation in the besieged and marginalized villages of the south, with demands for urgent measures to end their isolation and protect their existence. Interventions focused on key demands related to urgent priorities, most notably: opening safe humanitarian corridors between villages (particularly Dibbel and Rmeish) to facilitate the movement of patients and aid; establishing field hospitals and equipping emergency response points in wake of destruction of healthcare infrastructure and shortages of medications; activating Lebanese Army's role in maintaining security and protecting residents from attacks, especially following ceasefire violations; strengthening UNIFIL's deployment in sensitive areas to safeguard civilians and prevent clashes; extending direct financial support to residents, as needs have gone beyond food to becoming a matter of survival and continuity; preserving what rem ains of the villages and preventing demolition and destruction as a prerequisite for residents' return; and conveying these concerns to international authorities, foremost being the Holy See, to mobilize diplomatic support.

In this context, the Apostolic Nuncio affirmed his and the Holy See's continued attention to the urgent needs, stressing that 'efforts are ongoing despite difficult circumstances.' Ambassador Borgia referred to the solidarity of the Lebanese people both at home and abroad, calling for "unified initiatives to ensure that aid reaches its destination effectively," and affirming that "His Holiness the Pope pays special attention to the South and is following its situation spiritually and humanely."

In turn, Patriarch Al-Rahi stressed that "what was heard during the meeting is a cry of truth that cannot be ignored," affirming that "the cause of the South is the cause of the Church and the entire nation, not a local or temporary issue." "The Church will not be content with merely listening, but will act through its institutions and at various levels to follow up on the demands raised and turn them into practical steps, in cooperation with official bodies and international organizations," the Patriarch asserted. He announced "his intention to reach out to ambassadors and friendly countries to support these issues, particularly about opening humanitarian corridors and ensuring protection."

"Past experiences have shown the need for prior preparedness for all scenarios," Al-Rahi went on, calling for "a comprehensive resilience plan covering health, humanitarian, and logistical aspects, for the people's presence on their land is a sacred right that requires real protection." He also affirmed that "the Church will faithfully convey these demands and will remain alongside its people," urging them to "stand firm, as their steadfastness is a living testimony of faith."

The Patriarch concluded by calling for prayer so that the ceasefire can turn into an end to the war, stressing, "Only a just peace can bring life back to the South, and God alone can change hearts and turn the course of events from war to peace."

For his part, Minister Morcos considered that shared concern and pain unite the Lebanese today, saying: "I have heard many expressions of suffering presented by many of you, and I also hear them in private and during government meetings held every morning. When I hear them directly from you, this is what gives momentum to the efforts of the president and the government."

He continued: "When we hear you directly, do not think that matters are limited to negativity. On the contrary, this gives us additional drive and determination, turning negatives into positive energy." Morcos went on to state that President Joseph Aoun's address two days ago was "clear and candid" and directly answered many of the Lebanese people's inquiries. "It is, in fact, a foundation to build upon, and the correct basis for a clear path outlined for the coming phase."

The Minister encouraged southerners to submit a clear memorandum that practically outlines all their demands, to be presented to the Council of Ministers. "Of course, I will inform His Excellency the President, who will certainly adopt it and work on all its points," he added. "In parallel, those who have requests for fellow ministers holding service portfolios that may be relevant to health, social affairs, energy, telecommunications, or others should ensure that the memorandum includes all these comprehensive demands," Morcos maintained, describing today's meeting as a "national milestone for conveying the needs of the South."