In Syria, Archbishop Joseph Tobjie of Aleppo says Christians must play a role in building an inclusive and democratic society after a civil war of over 10 years and the fall of Bashar al--Assad, the Crux website reports today (Dec. 18, 2024).
The Syrian leader's forced departure followed a surprise offensive across the country by rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al--Sham (HTS), which is associatred with Islamist groups.
"From a security perspective, things are relatively calm here in Aleppo," Tobjie told Vatican News.
"However, isolated acts of violence persist, and in Damascus, the situation appears far worse. Weapons remain widespread , even among children. Seeing a child carry a rifle is something no one should ever witness," he said. The rebel group has made promises to respect all communities, including minorities, and so far, their actions are aligned with their words," Tobjie tld Vatican News.
"They treat us Christians with respect, and there is no form of persecution at present," the archbishop claimed.
Assad and hs father Hafez, who preceded him as president and died in 2,000, are accused of turning Syria into a dictatorial and murderous country.
Christians made up about 10 percent of the pre--war Syrian population, but now make up less than 2 percent, falling from 1.5 million in 2011 to just 300,000 in 2022.
"For over 50 years, we were silenced. But now is the time to rise to the challenge. We must lay the foundation for a state rooted in the common good , one that guarantees the dignity and rights of all citizens," Tobjie said.
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