Pope Benedict accepts Maronite Patriarch Sfeir’s resignation

Pope Benedict XVI accepted Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir’s resignation, according to the Secretariat of the Maronite Patriarchate in a statement issued Saturday. Benedict sent a letter to Sfeir accepting the latter’s resignation of the spiritual head of Lebanon’s Maronites, the largest Catholic church in the Middle East.

“I accept your free resignation, [and] I am sure that you will remain with the Maronite Church with your prayers,” the Pope told Sfeir in the letter. (more…)

Vatican: Lebanon stands as a message of freedom for the world

Lebanon “because of the presence of various Christian and Muslim communities there, stands as a message of freedom and respectful coexistence, not only for the region but for the whole world. In this context, it is increasingly necessary to promote collaboration and dialogue between religious confessions”.

Echoing the words of John Paul II, the opening line of the Vatican communiqué on Thursday morning’s meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, immediately underscores the regional importance of the Land of the Cedars. (more…)

Saint Maroun statue placed at Vatican

The statue of Saint Maroun was unveiled at Saint Peter’s square at the Vatican on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by President Michel Suleiman, Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir and Pope Benedict XVI. The statue of St. Maroun is the 12th and last statue.

A large number of Lebanese MPs, officials and former lawmakers also attended the event which was followed by a mass held by Sfeir. (more…)

Suleiman: History never mentions the wars we avoided

“The unity that happened [today] in Rome should not be ad hoc or formal,” Sleiman added during a lunch organized by the Worldwide Maronite Foundation honoring him on Wednesday in Rome, according to a statement issued by President Michel Suleiman’s office.

“The priority of the Maronites and the Christians is to preserve Lebanon as an entity,” Sleiman said on Wednesday. (more…)

Egypt recalls Vatican envoy

Egypt recalled its Vatican ambassador on Tuesday for consultation in Cairo after Pope Benedict urged governments in predominantly Muslim countries to do more to protect Christian minorities. (more…)

Vatican ‘clarifies’ cardinal’s homosexuality abuse link

The Vatican has sought to “clarify” remarks made by a senior cardinal, who linked homosexuality with paedophilia in the abuse scandal facing the Church.

It provided “data” to support the claim, but also said it was not for the Church authorities to make assertions of a “psychological or medical nature”. (more…)

Sfeir returns after a visit to the Vatican

Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir returns home Tuesday after a visit to the Vatican where he met with the Pope and took part in meetings of the Patriarchal Synod in preparation for the Synod on the Middle East.