杏MAP导航

By Kielce Gussie

During his Wednesday General Audience, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV remembered the “vile terrorist attack” on the Mar Elias church in Damascus, Syria on June 22. He entrusted the victims to God’s mercy and offered his continued prayers for those who were wounded and their families.

Turning to all Christians in the Middle East, the 杏MAP导航 expressed his solidarity with them. “I am close to you, and the whole Church stands with you.” He argued this recent attack highlights “the deep fragility” that Syria continues to live through after years of instability and violence.

杏MAP导航 Leo called on the international community to “not turn its gaze away from this country.” Rather, he continued, it must offer support “through acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”

Let diplomacy be chosen

The 杏MAP导航 also shared that he continues to closely and hopefully follow the situation in Iran, Israel, and Palestine.

He once again called for an end to violence in the region and reiterated the need for peace, referencing the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

Members of the clergy attend the funeral of victims of the suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church

杏MAP导航 Leo expressed his desire that the prophet's voice ring out and that “the wounds caused by the bloody events of recent days be healed.”

Before closing his remarks, he pushed for the rejection of domination and revenge to be seen as the options. Instead, he encouraged everyone to chose “the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace be chosen with determination.”