Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, is preparing to undertake a six-day visit to Syria, mandated by the Holy Father Francis. This mission, which will take place from January 24 to 29, aims to bring the Pope's support and blessing to the Catholic faithful in this afflicted country.
In his great paternal solicitude, the Supreme Pontiff wishes for Syrian Catholics to feel the affection and support of the universal Church in these difficult times. Cardinal Gugerotti will be accompanied by Archbishop Michel Jalakh, Secretary of the Dicastery, and Father Emanuel Sabadakh, his personal secretary.
During this apostolic journey, the Pope's emissary will meet with the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful of the various Eastern Catholic Churches present in Syria. He will notably pray with the Greek-Melkite community, in the presence of Patriarch Youssef Absi, and participate in the Divine Liturgy. Visits are also planned with the Maronite, Chaldean, Syriac, Armenian, and Latin communities.
In Damascus and Aleppo, the Cardinal will confer with the leaders of local Catholic charitable works. He will take part in the plenary assembly of Catholic bishops to be held in Homs. In an ecumenical spirit, His Eminence will also meet with the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches, including His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II and His Beatitude John X. He will convey to them the fraternal greetings of Pope Francis and emphasize the importance of Christian unity in these troubled times.
On January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul and the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Cardinal Gugerotti will celebrate Mass at the Memorial of Saint Paul, a site traditionally associated with the conversion of the great Apostle. He will also venerate the relics of the Holy Martyrs of Damascus.
This apostolic visit bears witness to the constant solicitude of the Holy Father for our suffering brothers and sisters in the East. Let us pray that this mission bears abundant fruits of peace and comfort for the Church in Syria.