Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent suicide bombing at a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus as a “vile” act of terrorism.
The attack, which occurred during evening liturgy at the Church of the Prophet Elias on Sunday, killed at least 25 people and left 63 injured.
Syrian authorities suspect the so-called Islamic State (IS) was behind the bombing, but a fringe jihadist organisation known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah (Sunni Supporter Brigade) has disputed this and instead claimed responsibility.
Speaking during his weekly audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, Pope Leo said: “We entrust the victims to the mercy of God and raise our prayers for the injured and their families.”
“To the Christians of the Middle East, I say: I am close to you. The whole Church is close to you! This tragic event recalls the profound fragility that still marks Syria, after years of conflict and instability,” he added.
He urged the international community not to avert its gaze from Syria, calling for renewed efforts towards peace and reconciliation.
The Pope also expressed concern over ongoing tensions in Iran, Israel and Palestine, quoting the prophet Isaiah: “Nation will not lift up sword against nation. They will not learn war anymore.”
Meanwhile, Christian communities in Syria remain anxious under the country’s new Sunni Islamist regime, which rose to power following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last year. Despite promises to protect religious minorities, attacks on non-Sunni groups have increased.
Source: cruxnow.com
