Syrian prez hails Pope Francis for civil war support

Syria is home to a shrinking Catholic minority, whose numbers fell from around one million in 2011 to fewer than 300,000

Apr 24, 2025

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This handout photograph taken and released by the press service of the Vatican on Sept. 28, 2024, shows Pope Francis (left) greeting a Christian refugee family from Syria, that was welcomed by the Community of Sant'Egidio and arrived in Belgium thanks to the activation of 'humanitarian corridors,' in the apostolic nunciature in Brussels. (Photo: AFP)

By AFP, Damascus
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa paid tribute to Pope Francis on April 23, saying he had supported the Syrian people "during their darkest moments."

The Argentine pontiff, who died on April 21 aged 88, "supported the Syrian people in their darkest moments, constantly raising his voice against the violence and injustice they faced," Sharaa said in a statement.

"His calls transcended political boundaries, and his legacy of moral courage and solidarity will remain alive in the hearts of many people in our country," he said, extending condolences to Roman Catholics.

Syria is home to a shrinking Catholic minority, whose numbers have fallen from around one million before the outbreak of civil war in 2011 to fewer than 300,000 due to waves of displacement and emigration.

The Catholic community is primarily concentrated along Syria's coastal region, where new violence in March -- the most intense since the new authorities came to power in December -- raised concerns among minority communities across the country.--ucanews.com