Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – The papal
representatives in the Middle East are meeting in the Vatican from 2
to 4 October, at the Holy Father's behest, to discuss the presence of
Christians in the region, due to the grave situation that has
prevailed in recent months. The meeting began this morning at the
Secretariat of State and was attended by the Superiors of the
Secretariat of State and the Roman Curia directly linked with the
issue, as well as the Holy See Permanent Observers at the United
Nations in New York and Geneva, and the apostolic nuncio to the
European Union.
The meeting demonstrates the Holy
Father's closeness and interest in this important question. He opened
the meeting, thanking the participants convened to pray and reflect
together on what to do to approach the dramatic situation experienced
by Christians in the Middle East, along with other religious and
ethnic minorities who suffer as a result of the violence that
continues to rage throughout the region. With heartfelt words the
Holy Father demonstrated his concern regarding the situations of
conflict currently in progress in many areas, and for the phenomenon
of terrorism, which holds human lives to have no value. The Pontiff
also mentioned the problem of arms trafficking that is the basis of
many problems, as well as the humanitarian drama experienced by many
people forced to leave their countries. In emphasising the importance
of prayer, the Holy Father expressed his hope that multi-level
initiatives and actions may be identified in order to manifest the
solidarity of all the Church towards the Christians of the Middle
East and also to involve the international community and all men and
women of good will, to respond to the needs of the very many people
who suffer in the region.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro
Parolin illustrated the importance and aim of the meeting. Cardinal
Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches,
offered a complete report on the situation experienced by Christians
in the Middle East, presenting different aspects of the question and
opening up dialogue with the participants. The papal representatives
in Syria and Iraq then went on to provide information on the
conditions of Christians in their respective countries, and finally,
Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council “Cor
Unum”, spoke on the role of the Church in facing the humanitarian
crisis in the Middle East.
This afternoon, Cardinal Jean-Louis
Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue, will speak on religious dialogue with Islam, and the
challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East. This will be
followed by a presentation by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of
the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, on his recent
visit to Iraq as the Holy Father's special envoy. After the debate,
the session will close with Vespers.
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