Intervention of Mons. Thomas Christopher COLLINS, Archbishop of Toronto (CANADA)

In modern as in ancient times, Christians in the Middle East face tribulation, for they are a vulnerable minority. Such a status does not give a natural reason for hope. The first Christians were sustained in their struggles, and ultimately flourished, because of a hope that was nourished by the vision of faith which we see in the Apocalypse, and by the loving communion found in St Paul, through which Christians of newer communities assisted the Christians of Jerusalem, homeland of the faith for them, as the whole Middle East is for us. Those two sources of life-giving hope need to be explored in today's situation.

[00086-02.02] [IN065] [Original text: English]