The Christian community in Aleppo, Syria, faces extinction as ongoing violence continues to displace its remaining members. Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs has raised alarm over the situation, describing it as a humanitarian and cultural catastrophe.
In an interview with Agenzia Fides, the Archbishop shared the struggles of his diocese as refugees from Aleppo pour into Homs. “We are really tired,” he said. “We are really exhausted, and we are also finished, in every sense.” Many refugees arrive after days of perilous travel, cold and without basic necessities.
Once home to a vibrant Christian population, Aleppo now sees less than 2% of its residents identifying as Christian. Before the war, Christians accounted for 12% of the population. Archbishop Mourad fears the complete erasure of Christianity in a city with deep historical ties to the faith.
The Archbishop questioned the relentless devastation of Aleppo, calling it a city of global importance. “Why do they want to destroy this historic, symbolic city?” he asked. He also expressed frustration over the lack of global support for Aleppo’s Christians, who face persecution and displacement.
Aleppo’s cultural contributions, from its famed soap to its culinary traditions, are also at risk of being lost. Mourad’s concerns extend beyond the people to the unique heritage that has shaped the region for centuries.
His call for action emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention. Without support, Aleppo’s Christian legacy, along with its remaining population, could vanish entirely.
