In Lenten message, Lebanese cardinal denounces political corruption

Published: 2006-02-27

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- In his traditional Lenten message, Lebanon's Maronite patriarch painted a somber picture of the situation in his country, but said Lebanon is capable of coming through its crises if its leaders work for the country's interests and not their own. Cardinal Nasrallah P. Sfeir said he chose truth as the theme of his Lenten message because "lies predominate today," thus allowing "chaos to settle in." He urged Lebanon's leaders, as well as the faithful, "to be continuously sincere and to speak the truth." "This (truth) is the traditional rule," the cardinal said. "Breaking it is equal to corruption and sowing discord among the people. The society that lacks sincerity and truth puts the country at a standstill." Following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February 2005, public outcry and peaceful protests led to the withdrawal of Syrian troops, ending Syria's 30-year occupation of Lebanon. But a series of blasts, assassinations and assassination attempts ensued.

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