BEIRUT: Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai called Sunday for the creation of a democratic, civil state based on a modern social contract separating religion and state in a bid to better develop the country.

"[We should] build a political social system that is just and fair ... and a civil, democratic state that is attractive for citizens based on a modern social contract of coexistence within a state that separates religion and state,” Rai said during Sunday’s sermon in Bkirki.

He added that the modern system should be neither a religious state nor a secular one that opposes religion.

Rai also criticized the rivalry between political factions, asking them to place their personal interests aside and work for the development of the country by focusing on youth and providing them with decent job opportunities.

“Governance in Lebanon cannot continue to be divided between two political parties against the backdrop of conflicting sects while the economic situation is deteriorating,” the patriarch said, adding that those in power should swiftly develop a clear, coherent economic plan centered on growth.