Catholic Culture News
Catholic Culture News
Catholic World News

Islamic forces target Christians in Syria

March 21, 2012

Islamic extremists are engaged in “ethnic cleansing” of Christians in the Syrian city of Homs, local sources tell the Fides news service.

Militants with links to Al Qaida have reportedly driven 90% of the Christians out of the city, going door-to-door to inform families that they must leave immediately.

Archbishop Giuseppe Nazzaro, the apostolic nuncio in Syria, says that he cannot confirm the reports from Homs, but can report that Christians are facing increasing pressure in other parts of the country. The acts of violence against Christian targets, he says, are “bad signs for religious minorities.”

With the Syrian regime facing heavy pressure from rebel forces, Archbishop Nazzaro says, “In this situation Islamist and terrorist movements are making headway.”

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: Barbnet - Mar. 22, 2012 10:48 PM ET USA

    Isn't the real question: Are U.S. Catholics going react? Most don't know anything is happening. US Bishops could galanize Cathoics to write or march, like they did over Roe vs Wade. The silence in the media and the US government is astonishing. I missed out on the happie marches in the '60s (I had a JOB and paid my way to college), but I am ready to make my sign and go to DC or New York.

  • Posted by: - Mar. 22, 2012 7:52 AM ET USA

    I can't stop laughing at sfm's comment; yes, bring in our fearless leader Cardinal. Maybe he could even go there and meet with the Militant leaders to ask them to listen to him!

  • Posted by: - Mar. 21, 2012 3:28 PM ET USA

    Better send in Cardinal Tauran to promote a bit of mutual understanding.

  • Posted by: Defender - Mar. 21, 2012 1:13 PM ET USA

    Wonder what Cardinal Tauran will say to this, more ‘right-wing’ ignorance of Islam? Notice that both the cardinal and Archbishop Nazzaro have danced around the subject of "ethnic cleansing" of Christians by Muslims? Being politically correct in this case only serves to embolden the Muslim extremists. Pretending a war between religions doesn't exist serves no purpose, but notice this is not mentioned by our government as they urge support for anti-government forces in Syria?