For the first time since the fall of Damascus and the departure of President Bashar al-Assad, leaders of all Christian Churches and ecclesial communities in Aleppo held a second meeting with representatives of armed groups controlling the war-torn city.
The historic summit on Dec. 9 marked a significant step toward dialogue and rebuilding trust in the devastated region, according to a report by Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
The gathering took place in the Franciscan church and convent, which also houses the Apostolic Vicariate for Catholics of the Latin Rite.
Jesuit Antoine Audo, Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo, described the meeting as a “very positive” experience. “We were all present: bishops, priests, and religious,” Bishop Audo told Fides News Agency. “Their intention seems to be to build trust.”
The meeting comes as Aleppo continues to grapple with severe challenges, including a lack of electricity, soaring prices, and widespread food insecurity.
“We have reached a dead end: there is no electricity, everything is expensive, many people have difficulty feeding themselves,” Bishop Audo noted.
Despite these hardships, the new Islamist forces controlling the city appear committed to maintaining normalcy for the Christian communities.
“On the contrary, they are trying to build trust by respecting our traditions and our prayers,” Bishop Audo said.
He emphasized the unique historical relationship between Arab Christians and Muslims, saying, “I told them that we, as Arab Christians, represent a unique reality in history and in the world. I recalled some examples of the history of Muslim Arabs with Christians and the contribution of Christians to this history.”
During the meeting, the armed groups assured Christian leaders that ecclesiastical schools, which feature mixed-gender classes, would continue operating without changes.
“They have asked all the public officials to return to their duties and they have said that the military service that has lasted all these years has ended,” Bishop Audo said.
The Chaldean bishop, known for his incisive political insights, suggested that recent developments were part of a broader international agreement.
“There was an agreed international decision to secure this way out for Syria. It was not possible to continue in the impasse that had been reached,” he explained.
He highlighted the roles of global powers, saying, “A solution that certainly involved Turkey and the United States, but also Russia and Iran. Russia asked Assad to leave the country, and thus further bloodshed was avoided.”
While Bishop Audo welcomed the relative calm, he acknowledged that Aleppo’s recovery remains fraught with difficulties. Parishes have stepped in to provide meals for those in need, and Christmas preparations are underway, albeit modestly.
“Perhaps there will be no parades and spectacular moments,” Bishop Audo said. “But anyone who wants to visit us in our churches and bishoprics during the holidays is more than welcome.”
