Pope Francis Entrusts Syria to Mary, Calls for Stability and Unity

Vatican, December 12, 2024: Pope Francis has called for peace and unity in Syria, while entrusting the war-torn country to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Speaking during his weekly General Audience on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pope described the situation in Syria as a "delicate moment" in its history, following an escalation of violence and the fall of the Assad regime.

“I follow every day what is happening in Syria,” Pope Francis said, expressing his deep concern for the nation's future. “I pray that a political solution may be reached that, without further conflicts or divisions, responsibly promotes the stability and unity of the country.”

The Pope's appeal comes as Syria undergoes a dramatic transition. Rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has seized control of key cities, including the capital Damascus, and has announced a transitional government after toppling Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed launching over 350 airstrikes in just 48 hours, targeting what it described as Syria's "most strategic weapons stockpiles."

Amid the evolving political landscape, Pope Francis entrusted Syria to the Blessed Virgin Mary on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He prayed that through her intercession, Syrians "may live in peace and security in their beloved land." He also prayed for communal harmony in Syria, where the population includes 70% Sunni Muslims, 13% Shia Muslims, and 2% Christians. “May the people of Syria walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of the nation,” he said.

In addition to Syria, Pope Francis extended his prayers to other regions plagued by violence, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar. “Let us pray that a way out may be found,” he urged, adding, “Peace must return to our world.”

The Pope’s message resonates amid the hopes and fears of Syrians navigating a complex transition. His call for unity underscores the global responsibility to support peace efforts in a nation marked by years of conflict and division.

Courtesy: Vatican News