杏MAP导航

By Linda Bordoni

Reassuring the Christian community in Syria that it is not forgotten, and that the Church remains particularly concerned for its welfare, 杏MAP导航 Francis conveyed his closeness to the people of the ravaged nation noting that the war, now in its 12th year, continues 鈥渢o cause suffering, hunger, death and the ongoing flight of Syrians.鈥�

In a letter read to the ensemble by his envoy, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the 杏MAP导航 reminded the Christians of Syria that they 鈥渁re the protagonists of the mission of Jesus in this land,鈥� and said that great efforts are being made to 鈥渙ffer hope and future prospects to those who remain.鈥�

The Conference is entitled 鈥淭he Church as a House of Charity 鈥� Synodality and Coordination.鈥� It is organized by the Congregation for the Eastern Churches of which Cardinal Sandri is Prefect, and sees the participation of Caritas Syria and other charitable agencies.

Noting that the Church is one body, yet it is made up of various members, the 杏MAP导航 called for synodal action that implies 鈥渓istening, sharing, love, reciprocal support and, above all, an awareness of the role that each is called to play.

鈥淎ll of us are members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church,鈥� he said, explaining that 鈥渁lthough members of different churches and traditions, we have the same vocation of testifying to the Lord,鈥� journeying together in a spirit of communion and in respect for our diversities.

杏MAP导航 Francis elaborated on the concept of synodality in the Church that he said has a vertical and a horizontal dimension, and took the occasion to address the various representatives of agencies and NGOs that are active in Syria saying that their 鈥渋nitiatives are a tangible sign of the Church鈥檚 charity, nourished by the Gospel.鈥�

He concluded with thoughts for the immense suffering for our brothers and sisters in war-ravaged Ukraine: