European Catholic bishops call for peaceful transition in Syria
In a letter to the Archbishop of Aleppo, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) have said that they are closely monitoring developments in Syria and have expressed their hope for “an orderly and peaceful transition of power”.
“COMECE urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic and religious minorities that enrich the Middle Eastern nation. Furthermore, they call for the protection of religious temples and sites belonging to minorities, the provision of access to humanitarian aid, and the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes,” the Secretariat of COMECE stated in a note issued on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
In this context, it is noteworthy that, prior to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, addressed a letter, dated 7 December 2024, to H. Exc. Mgr. Joseph Tobji, Archbishop of Aleppo (Maronite), and to all other bishops of the Christian Churches in Aleppo.
In his message, Mgr. Crociata conveyed the solidarity of the EU bishops, stating: “With a heart full of solidarity, compassion, and profound concern for the immense suffering and uncertainty that you and your faithful are enduring in Aleppo and other parts of Syria.”
The letter further underscores the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union’s commitment to advocating for the needs of the Syrian people. Mgr. Crociata reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to raising awareness and mobilising resources to assist in rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“As Syria embarks on this critical chapter in its history, the EU bishops stand united in prayer and action, upholding the values of peace, dignity, and inclusivity for all communities within the nation,” COMECE said on its website.
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COMECE letter to Bishops of Aleppo [EN]
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) is composed of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of all Member States of the European Union.
The new logo of COMECE.
It was established in 1980 with the approval of the Holy See to represent the EU Bishops’ Conferences before the EU institutions. COMECE carries out a dialogue with the EU institutions, providing contributions that promote common good and a human-centered approach in EU policies.
