Rai condemns anti-Islam film, says Pope's visit is decisive

Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai announced Thursday that Pope Benedict XVI will visit all countries of the Middle East under the slogan “I grant you my peace”.      

The Patriarch said that the Pope chose Lebanon since it is a land of peace, not one of war. “The Lebanese state is a democratic state that respects public freedoms and abides by the Human Rights Charter”, he said.    

In a press conference he held on the occasion of the Pope’s visit to Lebanon, the Patriarch strongly condemned the anti-Islam film “Innocence of Muslims” which according to him offends all religions.       

Rai then demanded that the film be taken off YouTube.     

Rai considered that the Pope’s visit is an invitation to consolidate the historical presence of Christians in Lebanon and the Middle East and to maintain this presence through faith. He said that the Pope’s call to hold a special synod for Christians in the middle is a “necessary initiative”, adding “the Apostolic Exhortation that the Pope will sign as soon as he arrives is of the Divine Providence.    

Rai stressed that dialogue is the best means to solve problems in Lebanon and called impartiality in dialogue. He hoped that good intentions will prevail in the international and local community and that officials will assume their responsibilities. “No regime has the power to toy with the fate of the people”.      

On the Syrian crisis, Rai said “War cannot be waged in the name of Christianity or Islam; it is waged by states. All people have the right to demand reforms".     

Rai called for putting an end to the vicious cycle of violence in Syria which he considered “futile”.        

“We can’t say that Christians in Lebanon are divided; however some political parties are, and they don’t represent true Christianity.     

Rai pointed out that all parties in Lebanon want a new electoral law so that citizens can choose their representatives in Parliament, holding them accountable with no restraints".     

Rai said that the Pope’s visit to Lebanon is “decisive”, adding that this is not just a historical event, but one of divine grace".