Dimane: Lebanon’s Maronite bishops have issued a strong and urgent call for the restoration of full national sovereignty, underscoring that the country’s survival and reform agenda depend on reclaiming state authority and reinforcing constitutional institutions. Their appeal came at the conclusion of their monthly gathering on September 3 at the patriarchal summer residence in Dimane, chaired by Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, with the participation of the superiors general of the Maronite religious orders.
The bishops emphasized that Lebanon’s crisis cannot be resolved without the restoration of sovereignty across all its territories. They urged political leaders and citizens to seize regional and international opportunities to reassert control, insisting that only a unified national front around constitutional institutions could drive reform and rescue Lebanon from prolonged instability.
The prelates welcomed the international consensus to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year in the south. They expressed hope that this extension would become the final stage of UNIFIL’s mission, carried out in close partnership with the Lebanese Army and security forces. The bishops stressed that such coordination is vital for ensuring stability and security.
They also lauded the Lebanese Army’s commitment to its mission of confiscating illegal weapons across the nation. According to the bishops, this effort is crucial to consolidating state authority and limiting the proliferation of arms outside state control.
In their statement, the bishops urged careful preparation of dialogue between Beirut and Damascus. They pointed to sensitive issues awaiting resolution, including border demarcation, the fate of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon, missing Lebanese citizens in Syria, and broader bilateral relations. Constructive dialogue between the two capitals, they noted, could contribute to reducing tensions with Israel and reviving the stability of southern Lebanon.
The bishops also highlighted the resilience of Lebanon’s educators, who continue their mission under severe economic and security strains. They expressed gratitude to teachers in both public and private schools, acknowledging their sacrifices to keep Lebanon’s youth engaged in learning.
Catholic school leaders, they urged, must demonstrate transparency and responsibility in financial management, ensuring that burdens are distributed fairly among families and institutions. Protecting the rights and interests of students, they said, should remain the top priority, especially during a time of national hardship.
Looking ahead to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, the bishops encouraged the faithful to observe the day through prayer and acts of charity. They invited Christians to lift their petitions to Christ the Redeemer, seeking peace, love, and reconciliation within their hearts and throughout Lebanon.
By combining political appeals with pastoral guidance, the bishops presented a holistic vision for Lebanon’s renewal. They affirmed that sovereignty, institutional unity, regional dialogue, education, and faith must all work together if the country is to emerge from its crisis. Their message reinforced the Church’s role as a voice for reform, stability, and spiritual hope at a time of national uncertainty.