Holy See weighs in on Syrian crisis

February 27, 2012

The Holy See participated as an observer at the “Friends of Syria” conference in Tunisia on February 24. Sixty nations took part in the conference, including the United States (represented by Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton), European nations, and Arab nations.

Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, delegate of the Holy See to the League of Arab States and apostolic nuncio to Egypt, represented the Holy See, which participated “to express the sympathy and solidarity of the Holy See to all the Syrian people and the Holy See’s interest in the welfare of society and a region in need of peace and stability,” according to a Vatican statement.

“The Holy See wishes to point out the principles expressed by the Holy Father's post-Angelus appeal on February 12th,” the statement continued. The principles include an end to violence, dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and “the urgency of responding to the legitimate aspirations of the different members of the nation, as well as the wishes of the international community.”

“In this context, it is important to ensure that all sectors of society, including minorities--and especially Christians--can make their contribution to the building of the country, which has been characterized by a long history of peaceful coexistence between the different components of society,” the statement added.

 

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Further information:

• Holy See participates as an observer at Friends of Syria meeting (Vatican Radio)
• 'Friends of Syria' vow support for opposition (AP)