Father Faltas in conversation with Ahmad Shara
"I do not consider Syrian Christians a minority, but an integral and important part of the history of the Syrian nation. I lived for a long time in the governorate of Idlib, where I got to know the commitment of two of your confreres, Father Hanna and Father Loai, to the people of the area. They helped and supported all those who came to them, without distinction. I felt respect and reverence for them". With these words, the new Syrian leader, Ahmad Shara (also known by his militant name Al-Julani), responded to my question about the presence of the Christian minority in Syria and in particular the mission of the Custody of the Holy Land. The occasion was a meeting he gave us on the last day of 2024 with representatives of other Christian denominations at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. On this occasion, Ahmad Shara also expressed "above all, my great admiration, respect and esteem for Pope Francis: he is a true man of peace", he stressed, "and I appreciated his challenges and actions in favour of peace and peoples in difficulty".
As Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land, I had a private conversation with him. Ahmad Shara seemed willing to have an open and direct dialogue. During the meeting, in which I requested that the discreet Father Rashid and Father Sandro also attend, he spoke of a change in the governmental structure that will lead to political stability in the country, through planned stages with the aim of achieving a democratic balance, and assured us of greater attention to the fundamental rights of the Syrian people.
Regarding the social and administrative situation he found upon his arrival in Damascus, Ahmad Shara said that "the Syrian people have had to suffer the consequences of widespread corruption at various levels for years. The services necessary for the life of the majority of the people were lacking, and there was no vision for the development and growth of the country. Dissidents were arrested and, in the worst cases, liquidated. We visited prisons where there was nothing human. Syrian territory with a rich history and a civilisation thousands of years old was almost completely destroyed. The division among Syrians has led to conflict and division."
Regarding the future of the Syrian people, who have suffered so much, and the possibility of further conflict and division, the leader, with a proud and determined expression, replied without hesitation, "We are working for unity and peace. This is our firm will. It will take time, but I am confident that we will achieve political and social stability in Syria'.
Finally, hoping for an encouraging and positive answer, I asked Ahmad Shaar a question about the many Syrians who had fled because of the war. Among them are many Christians who have been forced to leave their country. What will be their future? "We are working to bring back those who had to leave Syria. Our intention," he replied, "is to bring the displaced Syrians back to their homes and the Syrian Christians will return to live and practice their faith in Syria."
At the end of our meeting, I stressed the need for the early implementation of his proposals for peace in Syria, and I assured those who now want to lead Syria towards democracy of my full readiness to cooperate in reconciliation initiatives for the benefit of the Syrian population, while protecting the rights of all religious minorities. In confirmation of these wishes, I have transmitted a letter in which the Custody of the Holy Land presents its history and mission, asks for the strengthening of the process of unity of a nation that is heir to history and ancient civilizations, assures the peace-loving presence of Syrian Christians, and guarantees the proximity and support of the peace process by the sons of Saint Francis, the saint of peace who eight hundred years ago wandered on winding roads but aimed at reconciliation in the Holy Land. As a gift to Ahmad Shaar, we brought the medal of the canonization of the Holy Martyrs of Damascus, because we believe that their intercession helped open the way to peace in Syria.
There are 300 Franciscans in the service of the Holy Land and 35 of us are of Syrian origin: brothers who have dedicated their lives and their service to their communities, caring for the faithful with a generous spirit and a deep spirituality, and guarding and protecting the holy places entrusted to them. A new course of Syrian history has begun, we entrust it to the Prince of Peace and follow him with a heart open to hope.
vaticannews.va / gnews.cz-jav
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