Archbishop Cona Visits Historic Christian Villages in Syria
The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Luigi Roberto Cona, visited three Christian villages in Idlib province from June 26 to June 28. The visit aimed to provide encouragement to communities that have experienced yea…
The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Luigi Roberto Cona, visited three Christian villages in Idlib province from June 26 to June 28. The visit aimed to provide encouragement to communities that have experienced years of war, displacement, and significant damage from a recent earthquake.
During his time in the villages of Yaqubie, Knaye, and Ghassanieh, Archbishop Cona received a warm reception from local residents who have endured great hardship. He listened to their fears and hopes, urging them to maintain their trust in God despite the ongoing uncertainties in their lives.
Located in the agricultural hills of Idlib, these villages are home to some of Syria's oldest Christian communities, which have faced challenges since the region became a stronghold for the so-called Islamic State. The visit was facilitated by the Franciscan friars who continue to support local churches, helping to preserve faith and promote hope in these challenging times.
Archbishop Cona also toured community facilities backed by the friars, including educational and healthcare programs. He learned firsthand from residents whose lives have been profoundly affected by the conflicts and the earthquake. The testimonies he heard included personal accounts of persecution, violence, and the loss of homes and livelihoods, reflecting both the communities' suffering and their steadfast will to remain in their ancestral lands.
Additionally, young people shared their concerns, particularly regarding the need for job training, employment opportunities, and support aimed at ensuring the villages' future viability. In discussions about potential improvements, ideas such as restoring traditional buildings to boost tourism and revitalize the local economy were proposed.
In the course of his visit, Archbishop Cona held discussions with various public officials, including Deputy Interior Minister Abdel Qader Tahan, Ahmad Hassinat from the General Secretariat for Political Affairs, Member of Parliament Mustafa Moussa, Al-Shughur District Director Abdel Razzaq Alloush, and Ahmad Ghandour, Director of Al-Rahma Hospital in Darkush.
