Bkerke:Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Lebanon during his Sunday sermon at the Patriarchal See. He highlighted the restoration of public institutions, the upholding of the rule of law, and rebuilding citizens' trust in the state as critical areas for reform.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, al-Rahi addressed the recent disruptions in electricity supplies that have affected public administrations and essential services. These disruptions, caused by unpaid bills, underscore significant shortcomings in public administration, ultimately impacting citizens.

Al-Rahi discussed the ongoing waste management and environmental crisis, emphasizing that simply transferring garbage from one landfill to another is not a sustainable solution. He called for proper sorting, treatment, and recycling of waste, stressing shared responsibility for protecting public health and the environment.

He also focused on food safety and public health, advocating for effective oversight and accountability to protect citizens from negligence and fraud. On judicial matters, al-Rahi mentioned the Deir el-Baydar case, insisting on independent investigations free from political influence.

Regarding Lebanon's broader security situation, al-Rahi warned of the ever-present threat of renewed war due to regional tensions. He stressed the necessity of a state capable of making independent security decisions and maintaining peace through a unified national authority.

Al-Rahi underscored the importance of Lebanon's neutrality in regional conflicts, clarifying that neutrality should protect the nation from becoming a battleground for external conflicts while maintaining its role in dialogue and peace.

Additionally, al-Rahi mentioned an appeal received by the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon from five Christian border villages outlining ten urgent demands. He assured the residents of Rmeish, Debel, Ain Ebel, Alma al-Shaab, and Qawzah that their concerns would be prioritized in the council's upcoming deliberations, urging the faithful to support them through prayer.