Vatican delegation visits Syrian Aleppo
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent an official
delegate from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human
Development to Aleppo in Syria.
Msgr. Giampietro Dal Toso, the Pope’s delegate, visited the
war-ravaged city on the 18-23 January, accompanied by Cardinal Mario Zenari,
Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, and Msgr. Thomas Habib, Counselor to the Nunciature.
A statement released on Tuesday by the Dicastery for
Integral Human Development said this was the first official visit by
representatives of the Holy See after the end of hostilities in Aleppo.
“The delegation was able to meet the Christian communities
and their pastors, who expressed their gratitude to the Pope for his constant
attention to beloved Syria. In addition, he visited Catholic charitable
institutions and a number of refugee camps. In particular, a centre for
humanitarian assistance managed by Caritas Aleppo in the Hanano neighbourhood
was inaugurated.”
The Vatican delegation also participated in an ecumenical
prayer service organized for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Another moment of encounter occurred when the delegation met
with representatives of Islam, during which “the responsibility of religions to
educate for peace and reconciliation was underlined”.
Local civil and religious authorities “paid homage to the
delegation, expressing particular gratitude for the Holy Father’s gesture in
elevating to the dignity of cardinal the Papal Representative to the country
[Cardinal Zenari], and acknowledging in this the Pope’s special closeness to
the afflicted Syrian population”.
The statement goes on to detail the importance of the
encounters with Catholic charities in the country.
"Finally, the meetings with Catholic charitable
entities highlighted the importance of the assistance they provide for the
benefit of all the Syrian population. With the support of the universal Church
and thanks to the generous contribution of the international community, such
aid can be intensified in the future to face the growing needs of the
people."
In conclusion, the statement detailed the items currently
most needed, which include “food, clothing, education, healthcare, and
housing”.
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