Vatican City, 19 September 2013: "To restore hope to the Syrian nation, to rebuild
schools, infrastructure, hospitals, to allow the return of refugees, peace is the
supreme good. For this reason we welcome with respect and love Pope Francis’ new appeal
to commit ourselves to a peaceful solution": with these words, entrusted to Fides
Agency, Syrian Archimandrite Mtanios Haddad, Procurator of the Greek-Catholic Patriarch
Gregory III Laham at the Holy See, commented the Pope's new appeal.
"Let us
commit ourselves to encouraging all efforts for a diplomatic and political solution
of all the focus points of war that still are a cause for concern", said Pope Francis
at the end of the general audience on Wednesday, September 18. "My thoughts - he added
– go especially for the dear people of Syria, whose human tragedy can only be resolved
through dialogue and negotiation, with respect for justice and the dignity of every
person, especially the weakest and most defenseless".
"After two and a half
years of conflict and immense suffering for the Syrian people, it is time to welcome
the heartfelt invitation of the Pope", stresses Fr. Haddad. "Faced with the degeneration
of the conflict, with the entry of many foreign militants, before the spread of religious
fanaticism and many armed groups, we hope that the efforts of the international community
go in the direction indicated by the Pope. As Syrian Christians we insist that we
never put our trust in war and weapons, and that we continue to promote dialogue,
justice and peace". Source: Fides