By Charles Igwe
Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep solidarity with Christians in the Middle East following the June 22 terrorist attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria. Speaking during his General Audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the pontiff condemned the assault as a “vile terrorist attack” and prayed for the victims, the injured, and their families.
Turning his message to the broader Christian community across the region, Pope Leo offered a firm assurance: “I am close to you, and the whole Church stands with you.”
The pope described the attack as a tragic reminder of the “deep fragility” still affecting Syria after years of conflict, instability, and humanitarian crisis. He called on the international community not to ignore the ongoing suffering in the country, but instead to extend concrete support through “acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
Pope Leo also addressed the wider situation in the Middle East, saying he continues to closely monitor developments in Iran, Israel, and Palestine. Echoing a longstanding Vatican appeal, he once again urged all parties to end violence in the region and seek peaceful resolution.
Quoting the prophet Isaiah—“Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”—the Holy Father expressed hope that these words would guide current and future efforts toward lasting peace.
He concluded by calling for a decisive rejection of revenge and domination in favor of “dialogue, diplomacy, and peace,” encouraging all leaders and citizens to embrace these paths with courage and conviction.
