When this will stop?
Father Samir Daou Found Murdered in Lebanon; Maronite Church Calls for Justice
Father Samir Daou, a 62-year-old Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest and a father to his children, who served as a priest in two parishes, was found murdered inside his home in Lebanonโs Jbeil district on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Father Daou had gone missing the previous day, Wednesday, October 28, raising concerns among his family and loved ones after repeated attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. His disappearance prompted a search involving Lebanese security forces and Army Intelligence, who began looking for the missing priest in the surrounding areas.
On Thursday, October 29, Father Daouโs body was discovered in his home in Ain Jrayn, bringing the search to a tragic end. According to Lebanese media reports, his relatives found his body with visible traces of blood. He had reportedly been stabbed multiple times with a sharp object.
Investigators from the Lebanese Internal Security Forces subsequently arrived at the scene to collect fingerprints and examine evidence. Lebanese authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding his murder and identify those responsible.
Lebanese media reports suggest that a foreign worker who had been accompanying Father Daou to help harvest olives from his trees may be connected to his murder. Robbery has also been suggested as a possible motive, following reports that the priestโs vehicle and personal belongings were stolen. However, these details remain unconfirmed as investigations continue.
While the crime is still under investigation
The Maronite Diocese of Jbeil has issued an official statement condemning the brutal murder of Father Samir Daou, urging the public to act responsibly and refrain from spreading unverified information or rumors.
Bishop Michel Aoun, together with the clergy and faithful of the diocese, expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the priest, who had dedicated his life to serving God and his community.
The diocese extended its deepest condolences to his family, parishioners, and loved ones, while expressing gratitude to the Lebanese security forces for their ongoing investigation. It also called for the full truth to be revealed and for the perpetrator to be brought to justice.
Please keep Father Samir Daou, his family, and the parishes he served in your prayers. May his soul rest in peace.
Maronite Patriarch condemns murder, calls for justice
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi issued an official statement condemning the murder of Father Samir Daou, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a priest who had dedicated his life to serving God and the Church.
The Patriarch extended his condolences to Bishop Michel Aoun, the clergy and faithful of the Maronite Diocese of Jbeil, and Father Daouโs family and loved ones.
He also called on Lebanese security and judicial authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, uncover the full truth, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice.
The Patriarch concluded by offering prayers for Father Daouโs eternal rest and for the comfort of those mourning his loss.