 Rahal studied at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and get a PhD from the University Sargessa in Furn-El-Shebak (Lebanon) as Doctor of Canon law.At the Synod of Bishops of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church from 22 to 26 June 2004 Rahal was elected to succeed Cyril Salim Bustros as Archbishop of Baalbek.This choice was agreed by Pope Benedict XVI on 28 June 2004 and the Patriarch of Antioch, Gregory III Laham, BS consecrated him bishop.