Pope Francis laments persecution of Middle East’s Christians

August 06, 2015

One year after Iraqi Christian refugees fleeing the Islamic State began to arrive in Jordan, Pope Francis has written a letter decrying the persecution of Christians.

In an August 6 letter to Archbishop Maroun Lahham, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem’s vicar for Jordan, Pope Francis lamented the “atrocious, inhumane, and inexplicable persecution” of Christians, victims of “intolerance and fanaticism” in the face of the “silence” of the international community.

“They are the martyrs of today, humiliated and discriminated against because of their fidelity to the Gospel,” the Pontiff added, as he called for daily prayers for the refugees and gratitude for their witness.

Pope Francis also thanked communities that did not “look the other way” but instead assisted the refugees.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Lettera del Santo Padre al Vescovo Ausiliare di Gerusalemme dei Latini, Vicario Patriarcale per la Giordania, sulla situazione dei profughi, 06.08.2015 (Holy See Press Office)