Maronite Catholic priest found murdered in Lebanon, authorities investigate

A Maronite Catholic priest who went missing Oct. 28 has been found murdered in Lebanon, prompting a criminal investigation and calls for justice from Church leaders and his family.

Father Samir Mikhael Daou, who served the parishes of Hsoun and Ferhet in Lebanon's Jbeil district, was discovered inside a house he owned in his hometown of Ain Jrain, according to an Oct. 29 report by L'Orient Today.

The priest's family found his body at the property, where he did not regularly reside, Lebanese broadcaster LBCI reported, as cited by L'Orient Today. Blood was visible at the scene, and investigators arrived to collect fingerprints and other evidence.

Authorities are investigating a possible connection to workers who had been helping Father Daou harvest olives before his disappearance, according to the outlet. Jbeil lawmaker Simon Abi Ramia told L'Orient Today that one worker was suspected of taking the priest's car and fleeing after the killing. Security forces are attempting to locate the individual, according to the report.

In an Oct. 29 statement reported by the outlet, the Maronite Archbishopric of Jbeil, led by Bishop Michel Aoun, condemned the killing and remembered Father Daou as a priest who had “dedicated his life to serving God and the faithful.” 

The bishop, along with the diocese's clergy and religious, offered condolences to Father Daou's family and the communities he served. The statement also thanked security forces for their efforts to “establish the full truth” surrounding his death. The archbishopric also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information as the investigation continued.

“In these painful hours, we call on everyone to act responsibly and exercise restraint, and not to publish unverified news or circulate rumors,” the statement said.

Father Daou's family also issued a statement remembering the priest as someone who “dedicated his life to serving others and lived sincerely, humbly and with love for everyone,” and who “harmed no one and left behind nothing but love, a good reputation and a positive impact,” according to L’Orient Today.

The family called for a full investigation and urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable. They also stressed the importance of protecting human life and dignity.

Jbeil lawmaker Ziad Hawat raised concerns about public security following Father Daou’s murder, the outlet reported. In a post on X, Hawat expressed frustration over violent crime and called for stronger action against those responsible.

Lebanon has endured widespread violence and displacement this year amid renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. In April, Zeale News reported that Israeli strikes killed 254 people and wounded 1,165 others in a single day, according to figures from Lebanon's Civil Defence.

The conflict has taken a significant toll on the country's Christian communities. Zeale News reported on the humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon, including the death of Maronite priest Father Pierre al-Rahi in an Israeli strike in March. The following month, Zeale covered reports of damage to Christian institutions in southern Lebanon and the vandalism of a Maronite monastery in the country's north.

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