Aleppo, Syria, once a beacon of Christian heritage, now stands on the verge of losing its ancient Christian community entirely. Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs has issued a stark warning about the plight of Christians fleeing the city, which has been ravaged by years of war and extremist violence.
Speaking to Agenzia Fides, the Archbishop described the dire conditions of refugees arriving in Homs. “We cannot bear all the suffering of the people who arrive here exhausted,” he said. Many have endured perilous journeys, seeking shelter from the relentless conflict that has decimated their communities.
Aleppo’s Christian population has plummeted to less than 2%, down from 12% before the war. Archbishop Mourad fears the complete eradication of Christianity in the city, which holds significant historical importance for the faith. He himself has experienced the horrors of the conflict, having been kidnapped by ISIS in 2015.
The Archbishop lamented the destruction of Aleppo, a city rich in cultural and religious history. “Why is Aleppo being tormented?” he asked, highlighting the global loss represented by the erasure of its Christian identity.
Beyond its religious significance, Aleppo has contributed to global culture through its unique crafts, including its renowned Aleppo soap and pepper. These industries, much like the city’s Christian population, are at risk of disappearing entirely.
Archbishop Mourad’s plea serves as a reminder of the urgent need for international support to protect what remains of Aleppo’s Christian community. Without intervention, this ancient cornerstone of Christianity in the Middle East may soon be lost forever.
