Not only through prayer, the Church in Lebanon is actively working to restore peace and calm the situation amid the military escalation that the country is experiencing. Its appeals have reached effective international corridors, advocating for diplomacy over war and destruction.
The initiative began in Bkerke, where international envoys have been visiting to meet with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. Notable meetings included one with the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, during which the current situation and developments were discussed. Prior to this, al-Rahi received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barot and his accompanying delegation.
On the international front, the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Ferzal , Zahle, and the Beqaa for the Greek Catholic Church, Bishop Ibrahim Mikhaeel Ibrahim, met in Montreal, Canada, with Canadian federal MP Faisal Khoury, who is of Lebanese descent. Ibrahim emphasized the need to activate international support, especially from Canada, to assist the Lebanese people in overcoming their ongoing crises.
The two discussed "the importance of humanitarian solidarity with Lebanon and the role of expatriate communities in conveying the suffering of the Lebanese people to the international community." Khoury expressed his "deep sympathy for the situation in Lebanon," affirming his commitment to convey this message to the Canadian Parliament and to enhance efforts to support Lebanon during this critical phase.
Meanwhile, Bishop Paul-Maron Tabet, the Bishop of the Mar Maroun Archdiocese in Canada, sent an urgent message to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stating: "I write to you with a deep sense of urgency to draw your attention to the catastrophic and volatile situation in Lebanon. Lebanese Canadians, especially Maronites across Canada, like all Lebanese from various sects both in Canada and abroad, are fearful for their loved ones amid the airstrikes and unprecedented bombardment targeting children and civilians."
He pointed out that "the Lebanese people continue to suffer the worst economic crisis they have ever faced; Lebanon has not yet recovered from the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020, and hospitals are struggling with a shortage of medical supplies, in addition to the displaced." Tabet urged Canada to "call for the utmost restraint, de-escalate tensions, and adhere to international law, as protecting civilians is of utmost importance." He concluded: "With your leadership, diplomatic steps must be taken to restore peace in Lebanon."