Armenian Catholics in Aleppo, Syria / Adobe Stock
CV NEWS FEED // During his weekly General Audience Dec. 11, Pope Francis expressed deep concern for Syria’s future following the dramatic fall of the Assad regime and entrusted Syria’s people to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On the Eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis entrusted the Syrian people to the Virgin Mary, praying that, through her intercession, they “may live in peace and security in their beloved land,” Vatican News reported.
He also asked for her guidance in fostering friendship and mutual respect among the various religious groups in Syria, which include a Sunni Muslim majority, Shia Muslims, and a small Christian population.
The Pope prayed that all groups “may walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of the nation.”
The Pope’s prayers come as Syria faces a period of major transition. The main rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has seized control of key cities, including Damascus, and named a new prime minister to lead a transitional government following the fall of the 24-year Bashar al-Assad regime.
Speaking during his General Audience, the Pope described this as a “delicate” moment in Syria’s history and prayed for peace, unity, and security for the war-torn nation.
Pope Francis told the audience that he follows the conflict very closely and voiced his hope for a political resolution that “responsibly promotes the stability and unity of the country,” avoiding further conflict.
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