Aleppo, Syria, a city once synonymous with Christian heritage, now faces the possible extinction of its Christian population. Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs has issued a stark warning about the crisis, describing the dire conditions for refugees fleeing the violence.
Archbishop Mourad told Agenzia Fides that his diocese is overwhelmed by the number of refugees arriving from Aleppo. Many have endured perilous journeys and arrive hungry and cold. “We cannot bear all the suffering of the people who arrive here,” he said. “We are really exhausted.”
The Christian population in Aleppo has plummeted to less than 2%, a sharp decline from 12% before the war began. Mourad, who was kidnapped by ISIS in 2015, fears the remaining Christians in Aleppo may soon be driven out entirely by extremist groups.
The destruction of Aleppo extends beyond its people. The city, rich in history and culture, has seen its historic churches and artisanal industries destroyed. Mourad questioned why Aleppo has been targeted so harshly, saying, “Why do they want to destroy this symbolic city?”
Aleppo’s famed soap-making tradition, as well as its contributions to Mediterranean cuisine through the Aleppo pepper, are among the cultural treasures at risk. These industries, like the Christian community, are on the brink of disappearance.
The Archbishop’s plea underscores the urgent need for international attention. Without immediate support, both the Christian population and the cultural heritage of Aleppo could be lost forever, leaving a void in the region’s history and identity.
