Aleppo, once a center of Christian heritage in the Middle East, is on the brink of losing its ancient Christian community. Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs has raised concerns about the city’s future, warning that the violence and displacement caused by extremist groups may decimate Christianity in the region.
In an interview with Agenzia Fides, Archbishop Mourad described the plight of refugees arriving in Homs. Many come from Aleppo, where the Christian population has dropped from 12% to less than 2%. “We are really exhausted,” he said. “We cannot bear all the suffering of the people who arrive here.”
Aleppo holds significant religious and cultural importance, but years of war have ravaged its communities and historical landmarks. Mourad, himself a survivor of ISIS captivity, expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of the city and the loss of its Christian identity.
The Archbishop questioned why Aleppo, a city tied to the roots of Christianity, has been subjected to such devastation. “Why do they want to destroy this symbolic city?” he asked. His plea echoes the frustration of a community struggling to survive.
In addition to its religious significance, Aleppo has contributed to global culture through its famed soap industry and culinary traditions. These, too, face extinction as the war erodes the city’s heritage.
Archbishop Mourad’s warning calls for urgent international support. Without intervention, Aleppo’s Christian population and its historical legacy may vanish entirely, marking a tragic loss for both Syria and the global Christian community.
