Maronite bishops call for full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty

ACI MENA, Sep 7, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Lebanon must seize available regional and international opportunities to restore full sovereignty over its territory and unite around constitutional institutions, the Maronite bishops stressed in a recent statement. They emphasized that full sovereignty is essential for achieving the state’s reform agenda and for leading Lebanon out of its ongoing crisis.

The bishops’ statement came during their monthly gathering on Sept. 3, held at the patriarchal summer residence in Dimane, a mountainous village in the North Governorate of Lebanon, under the leadership of Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi and with the participation of the superiors general of the Maronite religious orders.

The bishops welcomed the international consensus to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in the south for one more year. They expressed hope that the mission would receive the support it needs so that this extension can mark the final phase of its mandate, in coordination with the Lebanese Army and security forces, in service of Lebanon’s stability.

They also praised the ongoing efforts of the Lebanese military to fulfill its government-assigned mission of collecting illegal weapons across the country.

The bishops further expressed their hope for careful preparation of communication and dialogue between Beirut and Damascus — whether regarding border demarcation and security, the case of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon and missing Lebanese in Syria, or bilateral relations in general. The bishops said they view the convergence of the two capitals on common interests as an important step toward resolving the conflict with Israel and restoring vitality to southern Lebanon.

The bishops also commended the dedication of educators in both public and private sectors, who are striving to ensure that Lebanon’s youth can continue their studies despite difficult security and economic conditions. They encouraged leaders of Catholic schools to act with transparency and responsibility in financial management, always under the law, to ensure fair distribution of educational burdens and to safeguard the best interests of students.

On the occasion of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14, the bishops called on the faithful to mark the day with prayer and works of charity, lifting their petitions to Christ the Redeemer so that love and peace may dwell in their hearts and in their homeland.

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.