On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, His Holiness Aram I received a delegation representing Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai. The delegation included Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Paul Sayah, Head of the Youth Department Father George Yaran, and Patriarchal Protocol Director Walid Ghayyad.

In addition to exchanging Christmas greetings, discussions centered around topics related to the Lebanese presidential election. The Patriarchate conveyed the views and concerns of Patriarch Rai to His Holiness. In response, His Holiness emphasized the urgent need to conduct the elections swiftly, considering the deepening socio-economic crisis and the worrisome developments in the Middle East.

The meeting also touched upon the recent decision by the Vatican regarding same-sex marriage. Acknowledging the issue’s sensitivity, His Holiness proposed a thorough examination of the matter within each church and through inter-church consultations.