Pope Francis has named Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi as a member of the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education, state-run National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Maronite Patriarchate's secretariat said al-Rahi was appointed on November 9, noting that he will occupy the post for a period of five years.

According to the secretariat, the Congregation's missions involve “spreading the principles of Catholic education and implementing them at Catholic schools, universities and theology institutes.”

It approves the establishment of universities, faculties, institutes and higher schools of study – either ecclesial or civil dependent on ecclesial persons – and schools and educational institutes depending on ecclesiastical authorities. [Link]