March 8 marked the anniversary of the Baath Party’s takeover of Syria in 1963, but there is now optimism as Christians in Syria look toward a brighter future.
On Sunday, the Syrian government fell, ending 50 years of rule by the Assad family after insurgents, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Shama rebel group with origins in Al Qaeda, gained more territory and entered the capital, Damascus.
Receive the main news from ACI Prensa by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channels today:
In an exclusive interview with ACI MENA — EWTN News’ Arabic agency — Bishop Hanna Jallouf, Vicar Apostolic of Aleppo and leader 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 to the opposition in a matter of hours or for the regime to be overthrown in just ten days.
Speaking about the future of Christians in Syria, he said: “At first, we were afraid because this scenario was completely unknown. Fortunately, there have been assurances that Christians will remain an integral part of Syria’s social fabric, with commitments to work collaboratively to rebuild our nation. We received assurances that our churches and properties would remain intact.”
“I hope that everyone receives the rights that correspond to them. We have lived under oppression and suffering for many years. Many people died, many were displaced or imprisoned. However, we pray for a new dawn in this country,” said Bishop Jallouf on December 8.
“Let us not forget that today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, we have reached this moment of joy. “The bells of our churches rang in Aleppo and, for the first time in almost 13 years, they rang again in Al-Quniya (Idlib).”
Bishop Jallouf also addressed the new leaders of Syria and the international community.
“I pray that the Lord strengthens 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 for nations,” he said. “The focus must be on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services, especially access to water and energy resources.”
He continued: “To decision-makers around the world, I urge you to help us by reopening international highways and facilitating trade routes so that life can return to normal. I also call for the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria. These sanctions have not affected those in power, who have access to everything, but they have devastated ordinary people. They have been the most affected by this unfair burden. Finally, I call on great 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 abandon fear.
“The sun of freedom has risen today over Syria,” he said. “We are part of this nation and we are 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 jobs. Life must move forward. May the Lord bless and protect us all and grant us leaders who can guide Syria to safe shores.”
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in ACI MENA.
Souheil Lawand
Souheil Lawand is an editor for ACI MENA, as well as a researcher in Roman and Christian history, Church educator and scout leader.