The following statement was issued Wednesday by the General Secretariat of the Maronite Patriarchate: "On the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation on the twenty-fifth of March 2026 and the 15th anniversary of Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi's assuming of patriarchal service at the head of the Maronite Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sent a message of greetings and congratulations to His Beatitude, expressing his warmest congratulations and best wishes, and assurances of his spiritual closeness and accompaniment in prayer."

The Pope's message continued: "As we celebrate with reverence and joy the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, I entrust your pastoral service to the care of our Mother Mary, asking that she bestow graces and blessings upon you, the bishops, and all the sons of the Maronite Church."