“The bishops of the European Union are closely monitoring developments in Syria and express their hope for an orderly and peaceful transition of power”. In a message published today, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union(COMECE) “urges the new regime to reject sectarianism and extremism while embracing the contributions and unique identities of the many ethnic and religious minorities that enrich the Middle Eastern nation”. In particular, the EU Bishops “call for the protection of religious temples and sites belonging to minorities, the provision of access to humanitarian aid, and the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes”. Prior to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), Mgr. Mariano Crociata, addressed a letter, dated 7 December 2024, to Mgr. Joseph Tobji, Archbishop of Aleppo (Maronite), and to all other bishops of the Christian Churches in Aleppo. In his message, Mgr. Crociata conveyed the solidarity of the EU bishops, stating that he is following the events in Syria “with a heart full of solidarity, compassion, and profound concern for the immense suffering and uncertainty that you and your faithful are enduring in Aleppo and other parts of Syria”. “The ongoing conflict in your country has brought untold hardship, displacement, and loss to your communities, and we stand with you in prayer and solidarity during these dark and challenging times”, Mgr. Crociata wrote. “We are deeply moved by the resilience and faith of the Christian communities in Syria, which continues to bear witness to the love of Christ even in the face of such adversity – the Italian Bishop added –. Your steadfastness in maintaining the sacred rites, caring for the community, and offering hope to those who are enduring the impact of a war is a witness to the strength of your faith and the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit among you. We hope that Christians in Syria can remain in their homeland and continue being witnesses of our Lord and contribute to their society in a spirit of brotherhood and service to the others”. Crociata ensured that COMECE will keep supporting the needs of the Syrian population, “by seeking to raise awareness and mobilise resources to assist in the rebuilding of your homes and the restoration of your livelihoods, and for a peaceful solution to the conflict”. The letter ends by recalling the forthcoming Christmas festivities: “In these times of darkness, we wish to share with all the suffering people of Aleppo and the rest of Syria the message of the ‘Prince of Peace’. We pray for peace in Syria, for an end to the suffering, and for the restoration of hope and dignity to all who have been affected by this conflict”.