François Eid

"I believe that the formation of future African priests to the one belonging to Our Lord Jesus, Teacher and Model, represents the only alternative to form these priests into instruments of peace and reconciliation. Thus, their mission should not be considered as the place for a competition of personal, family or tribal interests, rather, to the contrary, a place for the encounter between brothers beloved by the Lord and called upon to build together, in Charity, His Kingdom of Peace and Justice."

"Confessionalism in the Islamic societies where many Christians live and bear witness in the Middle East deeply affects their spirit and their behavior. From this stems confinement, withdrawal from others and hostility. These Christians are not "indigenous citizens". To the contrary, they belong fundamentally and organically to the social fabric and national identity of their respective countries. This is why they are called upon to live their faith and to bear witness to it."

"Our country is already immersed in that terrible conflict. And this, for Lebanon, can be devastating."

"The Lebanese martyrs have to be celebrated even if the Turks do not want to. The Maronite Church supports the need to restore a national feast for the martyrs, and that can help preserve the unity of the Lebanese people."