Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Thursday that this year’s Christmas comes amid ongoing suffering in southern Lebanon, speaking after a private meeting with Maronite Patriarch Béchara Raï. While cautiously optimistic about a potential easing of regional tensions, he emphasized that challenges persist.
“The wounds in the south are still bleeding, and our people—particularly those returning from Israeli prisons—continue to face difficulties,” President Aoun said. “With recent Israeli attacks in southern Bekaa, the pressures have increased. Nevertheless, our diplomatic efforts have continued to avert the shadow of war.”
الرئيس جوزاف عون قبيل قداس عيد الميلاد في بكركي:
— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) December 25, 2025
– زيارة لتقديم التهاني للبطريرك الراعي، ومعايدة اللبنانيين، على أمل أن يشهد هذا العيد عودة لبنان الدولة والمؤسسات، لا لبنان الأحزاب والطوائف والمذاهب.
– هناك جرح في الجنوب، ويترافق مع اعتداءات طالت الجنوب والبقاع، وعلى أمل أن تكون… pic.twitter.com/E8Bgd1Rkr7
Regarding ongoing negotiations, he acknowledged that “each party is seeking to raise its demands, but I remain optimistic that matters will reach a positive conclusion.” He also reaffirmed the commitment of Lebanon’s senior leaders, including Speaker Nabih Berri and President Nawaf Salam, to hold parliamentary elections on schedule, describing this as a historic duty that must be fulfilled.
Following the private meeting, President Aoun attended the Christmas Mass led by Patriarch Raï, alongside numerous public figures. During the service, he highlighted Lebanon’s diversity and richness, urging citizens to strengthen unity:
“Today, more than ever, we are called to be a nation that lives together, not against one another; a homeland of partnership, not conflict,” he said.
After the Mass and Christmas hymns, President Aoun joined the Maronite clergy in welcoming well-wishers celebrating the holiday.
Source: Al-Manar Website