Pope urges Syrian unity as rebels seize Damascus
Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday to the Syrian rebels who have overthrown the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. He urged them to stabilize the situation and establish governance aimed at national unity.
"I hope they find political solutions that, without other conflicts or divisions, responsibly promote the stability and unity of the country," the Pope said during a weekly audience in Vatican City.
In his first public statements on Syria since the end of al-Assad's rule, the Pope also called on the country's diverse religious groups to "cooperate in friendship and mutual respect for the good of the nation."
The Pope on religious coexistence
Francis expressed hope through the intercession of the Virgin Mary that the Syrian people might experience peace and security in their homeland, and that followers of various religions could coexist in harmony and mutual respect, working together for the welfare of a nation long impacted by war.
Muslims make up about 90 percent of Syria's population. Christians have a historical presence in the country but constitute a small minority. The Vatican estimates that among a population of about 25 million people, there are around 300,000 Catholics.
Rebellion in Syria
Syrian rebels announced on Sunday the liberation of Damascus and the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad after his 24-year rule. The rebels also declared the release of all prisoners who were detained for even the slightest opposition to the dictator's authority.
The action involved two organizations: HTS, or Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group led by Abu Muhammad al-Julani, and the Syrian National Army.
Abu Muhammad al-Julani, who previously fought in the ranks of Al-Qaeda, now claims to renounce radicalism, announces a departure from jihadism, and pledges respect for minority rights. HTS is still classified as a terrorist group by the US, EU, and Turkey.
Source: Reuters, WP News, PAP
