Vatican prelate tells US bishops: situation of 'extreme urgency' for Christians in Middle East
September 11, 2014
In an address to the permanent council of the US bishops’ conference, the prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Eastern Churches underlined the “extreme urgency” of the situation facing Christians in Iraq and Syria, and urged American help with efforts to promote a lasting peace.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri reported on the brutal violence that he had seen during trips to the region. Commenting on the dangers to Christians, he remarked that “the churches, which gave rise in great part to the diffusion of the Gospel in the apostolic era, are now shaken at their foundations and threatened in their very existence.” The cardinal went on to say that “we, as their children, cannot be silent.”
Cardinal Sandri encouraged the American bishops to back the diplomatic efforts of the Holy See, and to support the peacekeeping work of the United Nations—which he described as an “effective forum through which to prevent the repetition of violence and injustice."
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
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!
