Bishops’ indication of candidate for Head of State eagerly awaited

Beirut (AsiaNews) – There is great expectation ahead of today’s meeting of Lebanon’s Maronite bishops.  As every first Wednesday of the month the prelates will gather under the presidency of the Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir to reflect on the religious, social and political situation in the country.  Today’s meeting however, takes place just days before the election of the new Head of State, set for next Monday November 12th called by Speaker Nabih Berri.

Expectations therefore for the statement due to be released by the bishops at the end of their meeting, regarding the choice of the President of the Republic.  The bishop’s views on the vote are awaited by almost all of the influential groups, given that according to the constitution the head of state must be a Christian.

Msgr. Paul Matar, Maronite archbishop of Beirut, speaking to AsiaNews reaffirmed "the need to respect the contents of the Constitution and the support of the Church for all initiatives which aim to find consensus among the parties”.  He also reiterated the need to safeguard this appointment, because should it fail it may condition the Christian presence in the region and force many to immigrate.