The ancient Christian community in Aleppo, Syria, faces unprecedented threats as extremists take control of the city. Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs has warned that Christianity may be wiped out entirely if the violence continues.
Archbishop Mourad described the overwhelming challenges his diocese faces as refugees flee Aleppo. Many arrive in Homs after arduous journeys, hungry and desperate for aid. “We cannot bear all the suffering of the people who arrive here exhausted,” he told Agenzia Fides.
The Christian population in Aleppo has plummeted from 12% to less than 2% since the conflict began. Mourad, who was once kidnapped by ISIS, sees the remaining community’s survival as increasingly unlikely without intervention.
The Archbishop questioned the targeting of Aleppo, a city with immense historical and cultural significance. “Why is Aleppo being tormented? Why do they want to destroy this symbolic city?” he asked, expressing sorrow over the global indifference to its plight.
In addition to its religious importance, Aleppo’s cultural heritage, including its famous soap and pepper, faces extinction. These treasures, like the city’s Christian community, are vanishing as war continues to wreak havoc.
Mourad’s call for support highlights the urgency of preserving Aleppo’s legacy and protecting its vulnerable population. Without immediate action, the city’s Christian history could disappear entirely.
