Beirut: Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros al-Rahi emphasized the importance of state responsibility in safeguarding the South of Lebanon, underscoring that national unity transcends sectarian, religious, and regional affiliations. Speaking from the patriarchal summer residence in Diman, Rahi reiterated that every Lebanese citizen's life, dignity, and security are a collective responsibility.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Rahi, in his Sunday homily, highlighted the interconnectedness of the Lebanese people by stating, "When a part of Lebanon is wounded, all of Lebanon is wounded." He emphasized that issues affecting any region or community should concern the entire nation. Rahi specifically pointed to the people of Nabatieh and the South as "our neighbors," whose security should be of national concern.

Rahi argued that the protection of the South requires more than mere slogans; it necessitates a state that fully assumes its responsibility towards its land and people. He called for placing weapons under the state's authority, not as a power struggle, but as a means to establish a unified national authority and affirm the state's sovereign decision-making rights.

He further stressed that a functional state requires a single decision-making entity, stating, "A state cannot function with two decisions, sovereignty cannot be safeguarded through multiple authorities." Rahi urged for clear processes in negotiations, aiming for tangible results that include cessation of attacks, withdrawals, and stability through guarantees of Lebanese sovereignty.

Rahi also called on authorities to facilitate humanitarian movements in areas like Rmeish, Ain Ebel, and Debl, advocating for mechanisms that ensure free movement and access to essential assistance for residents.

Concluding his homily, Rahi appealed to Lebanese citizens to embody national love through protective actions, urging them to be neighbors to every Lebanese person, beyond mere slogans.