Archbishop Zenari Expresses Gratitude for Pope's Solidarity With Syrian People
By Junno Arocho
DAMASCUS, Syria, AUG. 1, 2012 (Zenit.org).-
The apostolic nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Mario Zenari, is thanking
Benedict XVI for papal words of support and solidarity with the
suffering Syrian people.
The archbishop commented to Vatican Radio about the Pope's appeal,
made after the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday. He called on the
international community assist in humanitarian efforts and appealed for
an end to the bloodshed.
"The appeal of the Holy Father for the cessation of the violence in
Syria, and his solidarity with the sufferings of the people, was of
great consolation," said Archbishop Zenari, who was appointed to Syria
at the end of 2008.
The nuncio went on to describe the situation in the region as "very, very grave".
"At this moment," he said, "the feeling among the people is of a
great [uncertainty]. Let me say in these days, the opening ceremonies of
the Olympic Games was a joyful celebration of the universal
brotherhood. What contrasts our brothers and sisters are living this
moment in Syria!"
"Nevertheless the celebration remains a sign of hope. The flame of
universal brotherhood will never be extinguished by the fratricidal
winds that are blowing in some parts of the world. It will be lighted
here again with international solidarity," the 66-year-old archbishop
affirmed.
The Italian prelate made an appeal to religious leaders in the
country to use their "moral authority" to plead with those involved in
the conflict to end the bloodshed and violence against the Syrian
people. "Come together all of you and with all the strength of your
moral authority," Archbishop Zenari said.
"Launch a joint and severe warning to the parties [involved in] the
conflict, to stop in the name of God the violence and repression that is
taking the country to destruction, terrible sufferings and death. Ask
them to have the courage to undertake, immediately and in all sincerity
with the assistance of the international community, the path to a just
solution to the crisis."
Source: http://www.zenit.org/article-35296?l=english
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