In his appeal at the end of this Wednesday’s general audience, in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the Supreme Pontiff referred to that ‘vile attack’ on the Greek-Orthodox community which ‘recalls the deep fragility still affecting Syria after years of conflict and instability’.

A member of Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, an organization affiliated with the so-called Islamic State, broke into the church of Saint Elias in the Dwel’a area on 22 June and opened fire on worshippers, triggering an explosive device.

In a telegram dated June 24, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Pope Leo XIV expressed his regret and solidarity with those affected by this tragedy.

The Bishop of Rome emphasized this morning, referring to this terrorist action in Syria, that it is essential ‘that the international community does not turn its eyes away from that country, but continues to offer support through gestures of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation’.

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