Foreign Minister Raggi attends mass in Montreal
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi attended a Divine Liturgy celebrated by Maronite Bishop of Canada Marwan Tabet at Saint Maron Cathedral in Montreal, in the presence of Lebanese Ambassador to Canada Bachir Tawk, Lebanon’s Consul General in Montreal Charbel, Sheikh Adel Hatoum representing the Druze religious leadership in Canada, and representatives of Lebanese political parties, business organizations, media and community associations.
Ahead of the Mass, Raggi met privately with Bishop Tabet at his cathedral office.
In his homily, Tabet welcomed the minister on behalf of the diocese, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between religious institutions and state officials, as well as the Lebanese diaspora’s contribution to national affairs.
He stressed that the Maronite Church’s defense of Lebanon was rooted in its commitment to a state founded on partnership, citizenship, constitutional institutions and equal rights and responsibilities, rather than sectarian privilege.
Addressing Lebanon’s political and security challenges, Tabet asserted that genuine sovereignty required the exclusive authority of constitutional institutions over decisions of war and peace.
He maintained that placing all weapons under state control was essential to establishing a functioning state and ensuring equal protection for all Lebanese, rather than a measure directed against any particular community.
Tabet emphasized that this position did not imply acceptance of Israeli occupation or attacks, nor abandonment of southern Lebanon’s residents.
He reaffirmed Lebanon’s right to defend its territory and sovereignty, stressing that national defense must remain the responsibility of the state and its legitimate institutions.
The bishop also voiced support for President Joseph Aoun’s and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal, halt attacks, ensure the safe return of displaced residents, rebuild devastated communities and protect the population of southern Lebanon.
He called for a strong Lebanese Army supported by Lebanese citizens and the international community.
Turning to the Lebanese diaspora, Tabet described expatriate communities as a vital national, economic, cultural and political resource with an essential role in Lebanon’s recovery.
He urged Lebanese expatriates to advocate for their country’s sovereignty, support the army and judiciary, encourage productive investment, share expertise and actively participate in political life, including exercising their voting rights.
Concluding his homily, Tabet called on Lebanese communities at home and abroad to move beyond narrow interests and transform their attachment to Lebanon into coordinated civic, political, cultural and economic engagement in support of state institutions and national independence.
Following the Mass, Raggi and Bishop Tabet joined members of the Lebanese community at the cathedral’s reception hall, where the minister met attendees, exchanged views and listened to their concerns.
