The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Luigi Roberto Cona, visited the Christian villages of Yaqubie, Knaye and Ghassanieh in north-western Syria from 26 to 28 June. He was warmly welcomed by communities that have endured years of war, displacement, and, more recently, devastating earthquake damage.
During his visit, Archbishop Cona listened to the fears and hopes of local residents and encouraged the faithful to place their trust in God, even amid the uncertainties of the present situation.The villages, located in the agricultural hills of Idlib province, once a stronghold of the so-called Islamic State, are home to one of Syria’s oldest Christian communities.
Supporting communities through faith and serviceThe visit was made possible through the presence of the Franciscan friars, who continue to serve the local Churches, preserving the faith and sustaining hope amid the hardships of recent years.The Nuncio also visited community facilities supported by the friars, including educational and healthcare initiatives. He heard testimonies from residents whose lives have been deeply affected by the conflict and the earthquake.Among those who shared their experiences were people who had endured persecution, violence, and the loss of homes and livelihoods.
Their stories reflected both the suffering of these communities and their determination to remain rooted in their ancestral lands. Archbishop Cona also heard from young people, who spoke of the need for training, employment opportunities, and support to ensure a future for the villages. Among the ideas discussed was the restoration of traditional buildings to encourage tourism and help revive the local economy.
In addition to meeting local residents, Archbishop Cona held talks with several public officials. These included Deputy Interior Minister Abdel Qader Tahan, Ahmad Hassinat of the General Secretariat for Political Affairs, Member of Parliament Mustafa Moussa, Al-Shughur District Director Abdel Razzaq Alloush, and Ahmad Ghandour, Director of Al-Rahma Hospital in Darkush.