POPE Leo XIV has expressed his closeness with Christians of the Middle East and called, once again, for the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to be chosen rather than violence.
According to the Vatican News, during his Wednesday, June 25, General Audience, Pope Leo remembered the “vile terrorist attack” on the Mar Elias church in Damascus, Syria, on June 22, and entrusted the victims to God’s mercy and offered his continued prayers for those who were wounded and their families.
The Catholic pontiff expressed his solidarity with all Christians in the Middle East, saying: “I am close to you, and the whole Church stands with you.”
He stated that the recent attack on Christians in Syria highlights “the deep fragility” that the country continues to live through after years of instability and violence.
Pope Leo called on the international community to “not turn its gaze away from this country,” but rather offer support “through acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
The Pope also said he continues to closely and hopefully follow the situation in Iran, Israel and Palestine, calling for an end to violence in the region, reiterating the need for peace, as he referenced the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
He expressed his desire that the prophet’s voice ring out and that “the wounds caused by the bloody events of recent days be healed.”
Before closing his remarks, he pushed for the rejection of domination and revenge to be seen as the options, but encouraged everyone to chose “the path of dialogue, diplomacy and peace be chosen with determination.”
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