Akouri Applauds Unveiling of Saint Maron Statue Inside the Vatican Walls, Congratulates Maronites Worldwide

(VATICAN) - Pope Benedict VI blesses faithfuls during the unveiling ceremony of the Saint Maron statue (R, back) at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican today, including His Beatitude and Eminence Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, and Lebanese President General Michel Suleiman. Saint Maron was a Lebanese mystic and hermit born in the fourth century, whose miracles and teachings attracted many supporters throughout the eastern Roman Empire. He is considered the father of Maronite Christianity, which has more than 10 million followers across the world.