Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s urgent message highlights the plight of Christians and Alawites in Syria amid U.S.-NATO interventions.
Quick Takes
- Christian Solidarity International issues a Genocide Warning for Syria after over 1,000 Alawite civilians were killed.
- Archbishop Viganò calls on Catholics to engage in prayer and penance during Lent for those suffering in Syria.
- The silence of global leaders and the Catholic Church on these atrocities is criticized.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls for actions to uphold international law and human rights protections.
Escalating Persecution in Syria
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has issued a stark alert, focusing on the persecution of Christians and Alawites in Syria. Armed conflict, fueled by U.S.-NATO interventions in favor of Islamist regimes, has exacerbated the situation. Pro-government militias have allegedly massacred over 1,000 Alawite civilians, triggering Christian Solidarity International (CSI) to issue a Genocide Warning for the region. Such violence primarily unfolds in areas controlled by Ahmed al-Sharaa’s HTS, continuing the strife.
Eyewitnesses recount door-to-door killings by pro-government troops targeting Alawites. Viganò has criticized the silence of the Catholic hierarchy and global leaders, stressing the seriousness of remaining indifferent to these violations. He brings to light a regime change, purportedly motivated by NATO and EU interests, which has seen the rise of Islamist groups taking control.
Explosion of Violence and Global Silence
CSI has accentuated threats against Alawite civilians’ lives under the jihadist viewpoint of HTS, which does not acknowledge their protection under Islamic law. An interim government, rallying volunteers, has reportedly launched attacks against regime supporters, causing civilian massacres. Furthermore, the surprise assault on state troops has resulted in extensive violence, with over 1,000 deaths, including many Christians.
Various rights observers, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, recorded significant civilian and military casualties. Human rights abuses by government forces have sparked international concerns. François Fillon, the former French Prime Minister, criticized these acts as a systemic campaign against minority populations.
Call to Arms: Prayer and Penitence
Viganò’s message extends a profound call to action for Catholics worldwide, advocating for prayer and penance during Lent. This spiritual engagement seeks divine intervention for those ensnared by conflict in Syria. Moreover, he warns Western countries of potential spillover ramifications, attributing this to corrupt policies allowing mass migration.
Viganò stresses the imperative for Catholics to revive their faith, maintaining that such a spiritual awakening is crucial for fostering global peace and prosperity. His appeal aligns with the broader demand for a concerted, faith-driven response to halt the atrocities and offer relief to beleaguered communities in Syria.
