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World News

Syrian church leaders meet regime officials, as Christians' future uncertain

by Rachel Huston

Catholic bishops and Franciscan friars from the Custody of the Holy Land met Abu Mohammed al-Jolani- the new Syrian leader of the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), at the presidential palace in Damascus.

Following the fall of the the Assad regime on 8th December 2024 followed over 50 years of its family ruling the country. The meeting was an historic encounter followed by a statement released by Syrian Church leaders which called for hope and reconciliation.

The joint statement, which was issued on December 29 by Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Syria, emphasized the role of Christians in rebuilding Syria’s social and economic fabric.

"At this historic moment, as Syria undergoes a new transition, we address the public with a message of love and hope." It outlined the Church’s commitment to national dialogue, economic recovery, and constitutional reform while urging the international community to lift economic sanctions that have severely impacted Syrian citizens.

A few days earlier, Patriarch John X of Antioch hosted Dr. Abu Omar, an envoy of the new Syrian government, at his residence in Damascus. Omar brought greetings from al-Jolani, whose coalition toppled President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Discussions focused on ensuring Christians' role in drafting a democratic constitution and fostering inclusivity in Syrian society.

The meeting on December 31 between Church leaders and al-Jolani came with assurances from HTS about respecting Christians with Cardinal Mario Zenari, the apostolic nuncio to Syria, described the event as a “breach of hope,” acknowledging that while commitments were made, their implementation remains uncertain.

“Christians must seize this opportunity to participate in rebuilding Syria and promoting values such as human rights and freedom,” Zenari told Vatican News.

The post-Assad era presents both hope and fear for Syria’s Christian population, which has drastically declined from 1.5 million in 2011 to approximately 300,000 by 2022 due to persecution and war. Christmas celebrations this year reflected cautious optimism. In Sednaya, a crowd gathered for the illumination of a large Christmas tree.  However, incidents like the burning of a Christmas tree in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town, highlight ongoing tensions and the urgent need for minority protections.

Maaloula, a historic Christian town, exemplifies these challenges. Following Assad’s ousting, Muslims previously expelled for collaborating with militant groups returned, creating friction with the Christian community there. According to a Church source, these individuals have exerted pressure on Christians, accusing them of aligning with the former regime. 

Regional dynamics further complicate the situation. Last week, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to advocate for minority protections in Syria. Meanwhile, Pope Francis prayed for Syrian Christians during his Christmas address, underscoring their precarious future.

Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq, noted that while HTS claims to support a civil regime respecting human rights, the sincerity of these assurances is uncertain. Drawing parallels with Iraq, Sako observed that interreligious ties can revive, as seen after the defeat of ISIS in 2017, when many displaced Christians returned.

Despite some positive rhetoric, fears persist. The new Islamist leadership’s ability to protect Christians and foster inclusivity remains unproven. Incidents like the Suqaylabiyah protests emphasize the community's vulnerability. As Syria transitions, Christians face a pivotal moment, balancing hope for integration and fear of marginalization.

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