The Patriarch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon, has expressed deep concern over the declining Christian population in the Middle East
Newsroom, June 17, 2025, Gaudium Press – Cardinal Bechara Boutros Raï, Patriarch of the Maronite Church in Lebanon, has expressed deep concern over the declining Christian population in the Middle East, warning that their absence could lead to a loss of moderation within Islam. In an interview with Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the patriarch highlighted the critical role Christians play in fostering coexistence and stability in the region.
Christian Exodus Driven by Conflict and Poverty
The patriarch noted that ongoing conflicts, particularly in Syria, have forced many Christians to flee due to relentless bombardment and dire economic conditions. “No one can live under war,” Raï stated, describing the exodus as a double-edged sword: while émigrés spread their faith globally, their departure weakens the Christian presence in the region. He urged global leaders to adopt policies that prioritize retaining Christian communities, emphasizing their cultural and moderating influence over mere numerical presence.
In Lebanon, where Christians are constitutionally protected and not marginalized as in Iraq, Jordan, or Syria, the community serves as a model of coexistence. “The Lebanese constitution guarantees a Christian presence,” Raï explained, noting that any government undermining this balance would violate the law. He expressed hope for similar models of coexistence in Syria and Iraq, where shared Christian-Muslim life fosters moderation.
Catholic Schools as Beacons of Coexistence
According to ACN, Catholic schools in Lebanon, particularly in the south, are attended predominantly by Muslim students, offering a platform for communal harmony. “These schools are models of coexistence,” Raï said, highlighting their role in teaching moderation and dialogue. Despite economic challenges, these institutions strive to remain open, especially in rural areas, to serve both Christian and Muslim citizens.
Economic Hardships Disproportionately Affect Christians
Lebanon’s economic crisis, with poverty rates soaring from 12% to 44% between 2020 and 2022 according to the World Bank, has hit Christians particularly hard. Unlike Muslims, who receive aid from other Islamic nations, Christians rely solely on the Church’s limited resources. “The Christians are poor, and that affects access to food, medication, and hospital care,” Raï lamented, underscoring the urgent need for international support.
A Mission Rooted in Faith and Resilience
Despite these challenges, Raï emphasized the resilience of Lebanon’s Christian community, describing them as “a people of prayer” whose churches are filled with youth. He believes this spiritual vitality will enable Lebanon to recover. “The Christians of the Middle East have a mission to bear witness to Christianity alongside Muslims in this martyred region,” he affirmed, stressing their role as guardians of Christianity’s roots in the Holy Land.
The patriarch concluded with a plea to support Middle Eastern Christians, urging global efforts to help them remain in their ancestral lands. “This is where our mission is, and this is where we will stay,” he declared.
Raju Hasmukh with sources from
– Interview with Cardinal Bechara Boutros Raï, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), 2025.
– World Bank, Poverty Assessment in Lebanon, May 2024.
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