Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aleppo (Agenzia Fides) - Urgent issues of the Syrian crisis, at a time "of great concern" for the Churches and for the entire population, the situation of Christian communities and the plight of the internally displaced will be faced during the next meeting of Catholic Bishops of Aleppo, which will be held on Thursday, July 25 in the Syrian city.
As learned from Fides, the meeting had been scheduled a while back, but it comes at a time when the city is the scene of fierce fighting between the army and the revolutionary groups, thus becoming a "crisis summit" where current events, as well as the strictly pastoral matters will be discussed.
The Franciscan Fr. George Abu Hazen, OFM, Apostolic Pro-Vicar of Aleppo, says to Fides Agency: "We hear gunshots. The streets are empty and among the population in the city there is great concern and tension. Many people have not gone to work today. In suburb districts, where clashes are in progress, people are fleeing to seek refuge elsewhere. It still cannot be considered a situation of emergency, but it could soon become one." "It is a moment of great suffering and uncertainty – he continues – which can be read on peoples faces. The Christians of Aleppo, in these hours, pray with more devotion and faith. Despite these dark times, we Christians are the children of the Resurrection, we are the children of Light, and there is hope. Jesus Christ is the Lord of history and is manifested in the history of the Syrian people." "Our task as Franciscans – concludes Fr. George - is to stay close to the people in this moment of pain and insecurity, comforting, helping, bringing a message of love and hope." In Aleppo, out of a total population of over two million people, there are about 180 thousand faithful Christians, divided into different denominations and rites, including Catholics, Orthodox, Armenians. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2012)
