Pope Francis expressed his concern about the current situation in Syria, saying that he is closely following the events “at this very delicate moment in its history.” The Holy Father was speaking to the General Audience on Wednesday.
“I hope that a political solution will be reached which, without further conflicts or divisions, will responsibly promote the stability and unity of the country,” said the Holy Father from the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican.
The civil war that has been raging in Syria for more than 13 years intensified in late November with new attacks led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad after 24 years in power.
Pope Francis warned of this escalation of violence during his Angelus on 1 December, urging the faithful around the world to pray for the country.
Faced with this uncertain outlook, which threatens to intensify the persecution of Christians, the Holy Father renewed his commitment on Wednesday to pray “so that the Syrian people can live in peace and security in their beloved land.”
He also expressed his hope that “different religions can walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of this nation, afflicted by so many years of war.”
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, also referred to this situation during an event at the Catholic University of Milan on Monday, December 10.
The Vatican hopes that Syria will see the beginning of a “future of respect for all,” although it says it is still “early to predict.”
As is customary during the General Audience, Pope Francis also asked to pray this Wednesday for the “martyred” Ukraine, “which is suffering so much from the war.”
“I think of Palestine, Israel and Myanmar. May peace return, may peace be made. War is always a defeat. Let us pray for peace,” concluded the Holy Father.