Pope Francis: Patriarch Sfeir will always be a brilliant face in Lebanon’s history

Pope Francis said on Thursday that former Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir has accomplished his mission “in volatile circumstances” and was an influential element in cementing ranks, establishing peace and reconciliation, and in defending his country's sovereignty and independence.

 

Pope Francis’s words were read on his behalf by the Papal delegate, President of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches Cardinal Leonardo Sandri during Sfeir’s funeral.

 

“Patriarch Sfeir will always be a brilliant face in the history of Lebanon,” he added.

 

The Pope also granted the apostolic blessing to the late Patriarch, his family, all the people who accompanied him during his last years, and all those who took part in the funeral.