Pope laments continued violence in Syria, Iraq

September 29, 2016

On September 29, Pope Francis met with members of Catholic charitable organizations who assist those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Iraq.

“We must note with great sadness that since our last meeting a year ago, despite extensive efforts made in a variety of areas, the logic of arms and oppression, hidden interests and violence continues to wreak devastation on these countries and that, even now, we have not been able to put an end to the exasperating suffering and repeated violations of human rights,” he said to those he received in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

“Seeing the many suffering faces in Syria, in Iraq and in the neighboring and distant countries where millions of refugees are forced to seek shelter and protection, the Church beholds the face of her Lord in his Passion,” he continued, before paying tribute to the region’s Christians:

My thoughts turn to the Christian communities of the Middle East who suffer the consequences of violence and look to the future with fear. In the midst of so much darkness, these Churches hold high the lamp of faith, hope and charity. As they courageously and without discrimination assist all who suffer and work for a peaceful coexistence, Christians in the Middle East today are a clear sign of God’s mercy. They have the admiration, recognition and support of the universal Church.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza ai Membri di Organismi caritativi cattolici che operano nel contesto della crisi umanitaria in Siria, Iraq e nei Paesi limitrofi, 29.09.2016 (Holy See Press Office)