Bechara Boutros al-Rahi
Stored: Bechara Boutros al-Rahi
| His Beatitude and Eminence Bechara Boutros al-Rahi | |
| Bishop of Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch | |
| Home diocese: | Eparchy of Byblos |
| Other diocese 1: | Titular See of Caesarea Philippi |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 3 September 1967 by Patriarch Paul Peter Meouchi |
| Consecration: | 12 July 1986 by Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 24 November 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Bechara Boutros al-Rahi 25 February 1940 Himlaya, Lebanon |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Lebanon |
| Education: | Pontifical Lateran University |
| Motto: | "Communio et caritas" |
| Role: | Patriarch |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Middle East |
| Rite: | Maronite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Ineligible |
Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, born February 25, 1940, is a Lebanese prelate and the 77th Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East since 2011, leading one of the largest Eastern Catholic communities in communion with Rome. Ordained a priest in 1967 and consecrated a bishop in 1986, he was elevated to cardinal in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Renowned for his moderate theology and advocacy for Christian-Muslim coexistence in Lebanon, reflected in his motto "Communio et caritas" ("Communion and charity"), al-Rahi has navigated Lebanon’s complex political landscape, criticizing Hezbollah’s dominance and promoting peace amid regional conflicts. His leadership has bolstered the Maronite Church’s global presence, though his age (85 in 2025) and recent hip surgery on April 20, 2025, following a fall during Easter Mass, render him ineligible to vote in the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025.
Al-Rahi’s tenure has focused on preserving Maronite identity, fostering interreligious dialogue, and addressing Lebanon’s economic and political crises, earning praise for his diplomatic outreach but criticism for perceived political alignments, particularly on Syrian and Hezbollah issues. His academic background in canon and civil law from the Pontifical Lateran University and his diplomatic engagements with global leaders underscore his influence in the Middle East. While not a papal contender due to his age and regional focus, al-Rahi’s voice as a Middle Eastern cardinal carries weight in Church discussions on peace and ecumenism. As Patriarch recovering from surgery, his role in the post-Francis Church is limited to symbolic and regional significance.
Biography
Birth and early life
Bechara Boutros al-Rahi was born on February 25, 1940, in Himlaya, a Maronite village in Mount Lebanon, to a devout Catholic family. One of seven children, he grew up in a tight-knit community where Maronite traditions and Lebanese identity were central. His early exposure to the Church’s role in Lebanon’s multi-confessional society sparked a vocation, leading him to enter the Maronite seminary in Ghazir at age 12.
Lebanon’s post-independence tensions in the 1950s, marked by sectarian divisions, shaped al-Rahi’s commitment to Christian-Muslim coexistence. His intellectual aptitude and fluency in Arabic, French, and English were evident early, as he engaged in parish youth programs. These experiences grounded his later efforts to balance Maronite interests with national unity. [1]
Education
Al-Rahi studied philosophy and theology at the Saint Maron Seminary in Ghazir and the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, earning a licentiate in theology. He pursued advanced studies in Rome at the Pontifical Lateran University (1962–1967), obtaining doctorates in canon law and civil law, focusing on ecclesiastical governance and interreligious relations in pluralistic societies.
He also trained in pastoral ministry at the Jesuit-run Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour in Lebanon, honing his catechetical skills. Al-Rahi’s academic rigor and multilingual proficiency prepared him for leadership in the Maronite Church and diplomatic engagement, blending scholarly depth with pastoral sensitivity. [2]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on September 3, 1967, by Patriarch Paul Peter Meouchi for the Maronite Eparchy of Byblos, al-Rahi served as a parish priest and professor of canon law at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. From 1975 to 1986, he led the Maronite Patriarchate’s judicial office, overseeing ecclesiastical courts during Lebanon’s civil war, a period that tested his mediation skills amid sectarian violence.
In 1984, he became director of Vatican Radio’s Arabic section, amplifying his voice on Middle Eastern Christian issues. His priesthood combined pastoral care, legal expertise, and media outreach, positioning him as a key figure in the Maronite Church and earning him recognition for his balanced approach to Lebanon’s challenges. [1]
Bishop
Consecrated titular Bishop of Caesarea Philippi and auxiliary bishop of the Maronite Patriarchate on July 12, 1986, by Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, al-Rahi served until 1990. He was Bishop of Byblos from 1990 to 2011, strengthening Maronite communities amid Lebanon’s post-war recovery. Elected Patriarch of Antioch and All the East in 2011, he became the spiritual leader of the global Maronite diaspora and was elevated to cardinal in 2012.
Al-Rahi’s patriarchate has addressed Lebanon’s economic collapse, political paralysis, and Hezbollah’s influence, with calls for neutrality and peace earning both praise and criticism for perceived political alignments, particularly on Syrian refugee and Hezbollah issues. His diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia, France, and the Vatican bolstered his global profile. Limited by age and recovering from hip surgery in 2025, he is ineligible for the 2025 conclave but remains a voice for Middle Eastern Christians. [3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titular See of Caesarea Philippi | Auxiliary Bishop | 12 July 1986 | 9 June 1990 | Served Maronite Patriarchate |
| Eparchy of Byblos | Bishop | 9 June 1990 | 15 March 2011 | Strengthened Maronite communities |
| Maronite Patriarchate of Antioch | Patriarch | 15 March 2011 | Present | Navigated Lebanon’s crises, criticized Hezbollah |
Significant events
- Entered the Maronite seminary in 1952.
- Ordained priest for the Eparchy of Byblos in 1967.
- Consecrated titular Bishop of Caesarea Philippi in 1986.
- Elected Maronite Patriarch of Antioch in 2011.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.
- Underwent hip surgery after a fall during Easter Mass in 2025.
Books
Written about the bishop
- No known books specifically about Cardinal al-Rahi.
Written by the bishop
- Peace for Lebanon: Reflections on Unity by Bechara Boutros al-Rahi, ISBN 978-6148035128
External links
- Bechara Boutros Cardinal al-Rahi at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on al-Rahi’s health
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Bechara Boutros Cardinal al-Rahi". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/brahi.html.
- ↑ "Biography of Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_al-rahi.html.
- ↑ "Patriarch al-Rahi recovers from hip surgery". Vatican News. 2025-04-21. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-04/patriarch-al-rahi-health-update.html.