Maronite priest killed by 'Israeli' tank fire in southern Lebanon

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MENA

Maronite priest Pierre Al-Rai killed by 'Israeli' tank fire in southern Lebanon.
Priest refused to evacuate Christian village of Al-Qlayaa amid 'Israeli' orders.

A Maronite Catholic priest, Pierre Al-Rai, was killed on March 9 when a 'Israeli' tank fired on a home in the Christian village of Al-Qlayaa in southern Lebanon, according to Catholic officials and OSV News reports.

Refusal to Evacuate

Al-Rai, known in French as Pierre Raï, had refused earlier to comply with an order from the 'Israeli' army to evacuate the village, along with other local priests. Al-Qlayaa, with roughly 8,000 residents, lies just a few miles from the border.

Field reports indicate that a 'Merkava' tank hit a house twice. The first strike injured the homeowner and his wife. When Al-Rai and neighbors rushed to help, the tank fired again, fatally wounding the priest. Several other civilians were also injured.

Papal Condolences

Pope Leon XIV expressed “deep sorrow for all victims of the bombing in the Middle East,” specifically mentioning Al-Rai, who “was killed while helping others.” The Vatican press office stated the Pope is following the situation closely and praying for an end to hostilities.

Ongoing Shelling and Displacement Fears
The killing comes amid an intensified 'Israeli' bombing campaign targeting areas claimed as Hezbollah strongholds. In an interview with France24 a day before his death, Al-Rai said, “We must stay to protect our land peacefully… none of us carry weapons.”

AsiaNews cited Al-Qlayaa Mayor Hanna Daher denying the presence of fighters in the targeted house, calling 'Israeli' accounts “lies”, and reaffirming residents’ determination to remain on their land.

Church and Political Responses

The organization “Aid to the Suffering Church” mourned Al-Rai, praising his pastoral commitment in a volatile region. French group “Louvre Dorian” condemned the attack, warning of “the danger of annexing lands and the disappearance of historic Christian villages”.

Politically, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea held the Lebanese army responsible for protecting villages, suggesting that Hezbollah infiltration prompted the 'Israeli' strikes. He described the Al-Qlayaa tragedy as clear evidence of failure to safeguard communities from armed non-state actors.