Pope Francis asked Cardinal Gugerotti to visit Syrian Catholics from January 24–29, as a clear demonstration of his steadfast support for the Syrian people and his aim to promote unity among Christians in the area.
On the eve of his six-day visit to Syria, the Prefect for the Eastern Churches spoke to Vatican Media in Beirut, expressing optimism that Lebanon’s calmer situation could inspire stability in its neighbouring country.
The Prefect highlighted that Syria and Lebanon, two neighbouring countries with a historically “fluctuating” relationship, share a deeply intertwined destiny. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that many Syrians who sought refuge in Lebanon can begin considering a return to Syria, provided the situation becomes more stable.
What struck the Cardinal was the Italian contingent’s account of the immense challenges they faced, “both from enduring bombings and from spending many days in bunkers due to the extreme danger posed by clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.” The Prefect showed particular interest in their detailed experiences, including “the so-called buried weapons in tunnels and their mission, which, despite clear limitations, couldn’t always address the immediate needs of the situation due to restrictions on intervention.”
The visit offered an opportunity to witness how Italian troops made significant contributions to their duties, despite the hardships they endured.