European Bishops: Never too late for peace in Syria

Below the statement issued by the presidency of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences:


For some months the Church and the whole international community has been following
with great anxiety and profound sadness the escalation of violence in Syria, where
weapons seem to have replaced dialogue.
We hope that the country’s authorities, the people and all believers, of whatever religion,
may look towards God and find the path which will bring an end to all hostilities, lay down
arms and embark on the path of dialogue, reconciliation and peace. This conflict can only
bring inevitable grief, destruction and serious consequences for the noble Syrian people.
War is a dead end. Happiness can only be achieved together, never through the misuse of
power by one group against another.
The next few days can be decisive for the outcome of this crisis. Therefore we exhort all
Europe’s Christians to increase their commitment in prayer for peace in that region. Our
faith leads us to hope that a solution to the crisis is possible, a solution which is fair and
constructive, respectful of everyone’s interests. It is necessary to find once again the room
for a dialogue of peace; it is never too late to understand each other, to negotiate and build
together a common future.
We are sure that, with God’s help, good sense may prevail and produce a peaceful living
in harmony in truth, justice, love, freedom and respect for all minorities, especially the
nation’s Christians.

St. Gallen, 19 July 2012

Péter Card. Erdő
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
President of CCEE
Mgr Józef Michalik
Archbishop of Przemyśl
CCEE Vice-president
Angelo Card. Bagnasco
Archbishop of Genoa
CCEE Vice-president