A new dawn for Syria? Bishop Jallouf highlights Christians as pillars of reconstruction
Bishop Hanna Jallouf, the apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, told ACI MENA “we pray for a new dawn in this country.” / Credit: The Episcopal Committee for Consecrated Life in Syria ACI MENA, Dec 9, 2024 / 11:10 am (CNA).
March 8 once marked the anniversary of the Ba’ath Party’s seizure of power in Syria in 1963, but optimism is now stirring as Christians in Syria look to a brighter future.
On Sunday, the Syrian government fell, ending the 50-year rule of the Assad family after insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group with al-Qaida origins, gained more territory and entered the capital of Damascus.
In an exclusive interview with ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, Bishop Hanna Jallouf, the apostolic vicar of Aleppo and head of the Latin Church in Syria, shared his reflections on what has just happened in the country. He admitted that he did not expect Aleppo to fall into opposition hands within hours or for the regime to be overthrown within just 10 days.
Speaking about the future of Christians in Syria, he said: “Initially, we were afraid because this scenario was entirely unfamiliar. Thankfully, there have been assurances that Christians [will] remain an integral part of Syria’s social fabric, with commitments to work collaboratively in rebuilding our nation. We received guarantees that our churches and properties would remain untouched.”
“I hope that everyone receives their due rights. We have lived under oppression and suffering for many years. Many people died, many were displaced or imprisoned. Yet, we pray for a new dawn in this country,” Jallouf said Dec. 8. “Let us not forget that today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and through the Virgin Mary’s intercession, we have reached this moment of joy. The bells of our churches rang out in Aleppo, and, for the first time in nearly 13 years, they rang again in Al-Quniya [Idlib].”
Jallouf addressed Syria’s new leadership and the international community.
“I pray that the Lord strengthens the future rulers as they work to build a new Syria. A nation that embodies its historical and cultural identity as the cradle of civilization and a beacon to the nations,” he said. “The focus must be on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services, especially access to water and energy resources.”
He continued: “To the decision-makers around the world, I urge you to help us by reopening international roads and facilitating trade routes so that life can return to normal. I also call for lifting the economic sanctions on Syria. These sanctions have not affected those in power, who have access to everything, but they have devastated ordinary people. They have borne the brunt of this unjust burden. Finally, I appeal to major nations to support us in rebuilding our country, not to give us the impossible but simply to help us get back to square one.”
The bishop concluded with a message to Christians, urging them to cast off fear.
“The sun of freedom has risen over Syria today,” he said. “We are part of this nation and deeply rooted in it. Let us not forget that Christianity originated in this land, and it was here in Antioch that believers were first called Christians. To all our people, I say: Return to your homes and your work. Life must move forward. May the Lord bless and protect everyone and grant us leaders who can guide Syria to safe shores.”
This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
