Syria archbishop on Christians’ suffering and hope

Archbishop Jacques Mourad: Yes, of course. For all of us, and especially for Christians in Syria, Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon will be a sign of encouragement and hope. We’re lacking that hope at the moment, so I really want to express my gratitude for the Holy Father's attention.

The plight of Christian refugees in Lebanon

Archbishop Mourad: Yes, unfortunately, Christians continue to leave our territory to take refuge in Lebanon, because the situation is unstable and remains dangerous for some. The situation hasn’t changed much compared to the previous government.

But it must also be said that the lives of our Christian refugees in Lebanon are miserable. They live in isolation, without resources. Even those who work don’t earn a decent wage. Landlords take advantage of their situation.

This situation highlights the injustice of international policy. The UN refuses to register Syrian Christian refugees who do not settle in refugee camps. But in reality, they cannot find a place in those camps, as the atmosphere there is marked by the presence of fanatical Muslims. Christians cannot live in that environment.

Syrian Christian refugees are therefore forgotten. They didn’t choose to live in Lebanon to remain in poverty; they were forced to do so. But even outside Syria, they’re persecuted and forgotten. I also find that the Church in Lebanon isn’t fulfilling its duty towards the Christian refugees who are there.

Pope Leo XIV's upcoming visit to Turkey

Archbishop Mourad: For us Christians in Syria, the Pope's trip to Turkey is very important—not only diplomatically or politically, but also from an ecclesial perspective, with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. We need to understand in our Eastern Churches that we are responsible for the unity of the Church. This is an opportunity to reflect and decide how we want to assume this responsibility and organize this unity in a way that is appropriate for our times.

Continuing this division would be tantamount to pushing people to emigrate. So we have a duty to make them feel that they have common roots, that their life in their country of origin has meaning. We need to touch the hearts of all the faithful, give them signs of hope by proclaiming the unity of the Church, and show them that the richness of our diversity should not lead us to division.

Christian unity in suffering

Archbishop Mourad: It’s true that suffering leads us to better understand the importance of unity; it reminds us that we’re “one.” It’s very important now to take the initiative to proclaim a strong testimony that will enable us to change our discourse.

The idea that each Church is independent with its own jurisdiction shouldn’t prevent us from proclaiming together the Kingdom of Heaven, which is common to us all. We need this courage. This opportunity of Pope Leo's visit to Nicaea and Lebanon must lead us to do something serious in favor of this unity.

Archbishop Mourad: Yes, absolutely, and I think that’s the grace of this experience. I’m sure that it was the prayers of everyone that saved my life and that of the other Christians taken hostage. I’m aware that the life of prayer can have a concrete impact in achieving this unity.

Archbishop Mourad: Yes, and it’s also a responsibility. Receiving this award shows that our Church in Syria must seriously pursue this dialogue and this path of ecumenism. Our people expect a lot from us!