CAN - Maronite Catholic Patriarch Beshara Rai faces criticism in Lebanon from Muslim leaders who object to the prelate’s plan to travel to Israel during the visit there by Pope Francis.
Cardinal Rai announced last week that he would travel to Israel on May 24-26 to greet the Pontiff. He would be the first Maronite Patriarch to visit state of Israel since it was established in 1948, and some Arabs protest that his appearance there will signal Church support for Israel.
The Maronite leader has countered that his visit to Israel is personal, that he is traveling to support the Pope, and that the Christian delegation will strengthen efforts to promote peace and free access for all to the holy sites of Israel.
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