Syria: Patriarchs Denounce Massacres by Jihadists

The various patriarchs present in Syria wished to raise their voices amid the crisis ravaging the country following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. Thus, they issued a joint statement condemning the violence of recent days, which has left more than 1,300 dead, and calling for national reconciliation.

Since March 6, at least 568 civilians have been killed by Damascus forces following an insurgent attack in Latakia province. The fighting has spread to other regions such as Tartus, Hama, and Homs, bringing the death toll to more than 770 in these areas.

Western Complicity

While Western governments have supported Syria's new strongman, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and some of their ministers have visited the country in recent weeks, images are now circulating on social media showing the execution of civilians, including minors.

Faced with this terrible massacre, the three Christian patriarchs denounced the attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children, and warned of the grave consequences of the spiral of violence shaking the country. In their statement, the religious leaders called for an end to reprisals and the launch of a process of national reconciliation.

Statement from the Christian Patriarchs of Syria

Damascus, March 8, 2025

In recent days, Syria has been the scene of a dangerous escalation of violence, torture, and killings, resulting in attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children, as well as assaults on homes and the looting of property, in scenes that reflect the degree of suffering endured by the Syrian people.

The Christian Churches, in addition to strongly condemning any violation of civil peace, denounce and reject the massacres of innocent people and emphasize the need to put an end to these horrific acts, which are contrary to all human and moral values.

The Churches also urge the acceleration of the creation of adequate conditions to achieve national reconciliation for the Syrian people and to work to ensure a climate conducive to the transition to a state that respects all its citizens. 

At the same time, they emphasize the unity of the Syrian territory and reject any attempt to divide it.

The Churches urge all parties involved in Syria to assume responsibility for ending the cycle of violence and seeking peaceful solutions.

We pray to God to protect Syria and its people and to bring peace throughout its territory.

A Dark Future for Syria

It is difficult to propose anything else in the current circumstances, but, unfortunately, Syria is now in the hands of factions of "former" jihadists, who dream only of implementing sharia law and pushing out all that is not Muslim. It is difficult not to see dark clouds gathering in the Syrian sky.