Cardinal Mario Zenari: A Voice for Syria
Stepping into the quiet sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Fornaci in Damascus, Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, carries the heavy burden of a nation plagued by over a decade of relentless conflict. A beacon of dwindling hope for the Syrian people, he shares their heart-wrenching stories, amplifying their cries for help and healing.
“The Syrian people are exhausted,” Zenari somberly acknowledges. “They struggle to see the light of the future.”
Over 500,000 lives lost, 7 million displaced internally, and 5 million seeking refuge in neighboring lands—these staggering statistics paint a grim picture of a nation in turmoil. As Cardinal Zenari addresses his congregation, the weight of their collective suffering hangs heavily in the air.
Reflecting on the parallels between personal and communal anguish, Zenari recalls the harrowing journeys of displaced Syrians, likening them to a modern-day Way of the Cross stretching across ravaged landscapes. Describing the new battleground of poverty that plagues the nation, he highlights the silent but deadly impact of international sanctions and economic stagnation.
Amidst the darkness that shrouds their present reality, the Syrian people cling to shreds of hope, seeking solace in the compassion and support of the Church. Yet, as the exodus of desperate souls continues unabated, Zenari’s urgent plea reverberates beyond Syria’s borders, challenging the global community to stand in solidarity with those who suffer.
“Building a world of peace, solidarity, and fraternity is not only possible but essential,” Zenari asserts. As the world grapples with rising conflicts and humanitarian crises, his call to action resounds as a beacon of light in a sea of darkness. Each of us is summoned to play a part in shaping a future where human dignity reigns supreme, where dialogue triumphs over discord, and where peace becomes a universal aspiration.
