Archbishop Calls for Justice and Hope in Devastated Syria
Archbishop Jean-Abdo Arbach of Homs condemned the violent massacres in Syria, urging the Christian community to remain hopeful for reconciliation. He emphasized that Christians are vital to Syria’s future, and called for an end to hostilities and international sanctions. Despite the challenges, the Church is committed to supporting the faithful with essential resources and spiritual sustenance.
On March 14, 2025, Archbishop Jean-Abdo Arbach, the Greek-Catholic archbishop of Homs, condemned the recent massacres in Syria that left over 1,000 civilians dead. He called upon the Christian community to remain hopeful for an end to the violence, stressing their critical role in Syria’s future. He stated, “Without Christians, there can be no future for Syria,” highlighting the need for unity and reconciliation amid the dire circumstances.
Archbishop Arbach reflected on Syria’s historic significance for Christianity, noting that it is the cradle of the faith. He remarked on the lasting Christian heritage, including ancient churches and monasteries that date back to the first century, and the continued use of Aramaic, the language of Jesus. He passionately called for an end to hostilities post-14 years of conflict, saying, “We do not want more bloodshed.”
The archbishop addressed the grim aftermath of recent attacks attributed to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham militants, expressing deep sorrow for the suffering inflicted upon the populace. He demanded justice against the violence affecting women and children, stating, “This is very painful. I ask for justice, because murdering women and children is not a good thing for Syria.”
He described the prevailing uncertainty in Syria with economic challenges, emphasizing that many citizens are losing hope and considering emigration due to the lack of employment and essential resources. In Homs, despair is palpable, as many people suffer in solitude and fear.
Despite these hardships, the Catholic Church is intensifying its support for the affected population by providing spiritual and material assistance, including housing, food, and medical aid. The archbishop affirmed, “We are supporting our faithful in every sense of the word,” urging them to remain in Syria and uphold their Christian roots amidst adversity.
In summary, Archbishop Jean-Abdo Arbach has fervently called for justice and unity in Syria, emphasizing the essential role of Christians in the nation’s future. His appeals for the cessation of violence and international sanctions reflect the dire humanitarian situation. The Archbishop’s commitment to support the Christian faithful highlights the Church’s significant role in helping the community endure the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.catholicnewsagency.com
