Rai calls on UN representatives to interfere in order to release Maaloula nuns

Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Beshara Boutros Rai called on the United Nations representatives to interfere in order to release the Maaloula abducted nuns and guarantee their return to their monastery or any other one, reiterating his call upon the countries concerned with the ongoing war in Syria to hasten the release of the two Syrian bishops and all other kidnapped clerics.

During his Sunday’s holy sermon in Bkerke, Rai said that Lebanese officials and politicians have been mercilessly causing the impoverishment of the people, depriving several families of their simplest rights of shelter, food and health care and endangering the future of the future generations by insisting on paralyzing the public and constitutional institutions.

“The officials are also preventing the formation of a new cabinet capable of handling the current challenges that are hindering the economic life, and are covering corruption, theft, spread of illegal weapons, incitements and violence for personal interests,” Rai added.

This as he praised the efforts deployed by the Lebanese Armed Forces in order to restore security and safety in the northern city of Tripoli.

On another note, the Patriarch noted that the world has lost a political man who believed in mercy, reconciliation and fraternity, referring to South Africa’s former President Nelson Mandela.

“I hope that the rival politicians in Lebanon will be oriented by the courage of Mandela and experience the beauty of reconciliation, cooperation and equality,” he said.