Aleppo Friar in Rome for Jubilee: 'We are living the dream of many Syrians'
Young pilgrims from Syria
By Edoardo Giribaldi'I hope to bring much, much hope.'
These may be simple words, yet they contain all the strength and faith of Brother George Jallouf, a Franciscan of the Custody of the Holy Land and assistant pastor of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Aleppo.
He arrived in Rome with a group of young people—'children of the diaspora,' as he calls them—to take part in the Jubilee.
It is with them, he says, that 'we are realizing a dream that many in Syria still cannot live.'
Young people in Syria asked him to light a candle for themThe young people, refugees in Europe along with their families due to the civil war that erupted in 2011, now live in Germany, France, Belgium, and Sweden.
On a hot Roman afternoon, they find shelter in the shade of Palazzo Pio, home to the Vatican Media offices, proudly waving the flag of their homeland.
'Syrians, at this moment, cannot travel easily due to complications with visas,' explains Brother George.
Nevertheless, the friar personally took upon himself all the intentions of the local Christian community, sharing, 'They asked me to light a candle for them and to carry them with me through the Holy Door.'
In fact, he did so. He took photos, sent messages, bearing witness that 'they too were there, even if from afar.'
The difficulties and 'daily miracles' in Aleppo
Regardless, the reality in Syria remains difficult.
'In Aleppo, the situation is relatively calm,' he says, 'but after the recent attacks in Damascus, fear has returned to the hearts of the faithful. We've had to increase security even during Masses: men stand at the church doors to protect those coming in to pray.'
Despite everything, the Christian community continues to endure. A numerical minority—about 1,200 faithful—but a living, active presence.
'We have catechism classes from kindergarten all the way through high school," he says, noting, "It's a grace, a daily miracle.'
When he returns to Syria, Brother George will bring with him the faces, words, and blessing of Rome, and also a certainty, 'The Lord is with us. Hope does not disappoint. And we are called to be that hope, every day, for those we encounter.'
From Syria to pray for peace throughout the Middle East
'Just being here and representing Syria is, in itself, a source of pride,' shares one of the young Syrians in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, adding, 'It's an indescribable emotion. We are truly happy. And we pray that, one day, there may be peace in all the countries of this world.'
Echoing him is a fellow pilgrim, who explains how their presence is meaningful not only for Syria but for the entire Middle East. 'There are so many wonderful young Christians there, with a tremendous faith.'
Like Brother George, the young people have become messengers of the prayers and dreams of their peers, reflecting, 'We pray here on their behalf, in their name.'
Especially aware of the gift that the opportunity to be in Rome and participate in the Jubilee represents, they tell Vatican News, 'We pray especially that the Lord may one day give them too the chance to come and live this experience.'--Vatican News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Up to 1 million young Catholics gather for Pope Leo vigil in Rome
ROME: Up to a million young Catholic believers are expected to gather for a night-time vigil led by Pope Leo XIV, the highlight of a week-long pilgrimage during the Jubilee holy year. The 'Jubilee of Youth' has drawn thousands of young pilgrims from around the world to Rome, with excitement building for the new pope's final address. Large groups of pilgrims have filled Rome's streets, waving flags and singing religious songs. 'I feel mainly curiosity, as we don't know him very well yet,' said Alice Berry, a 21-year-old student from Paris. 'What does he have to say to us? What is his message for young people?' The pilgrimage comes amid global economic uncertainty and rising climate anxiety among young people. Many attendees hope the Vatican will address pressing issues like climate change, war, and inequality. Samarei Semos, 29, who travelled from Belize, said, 'We are still trying to understand his leadership,' expressing hope for stronger advocacy for developing nations. The vigil will take place in Rome's Tor Vergata area, the same site used 25 years ago under Pope John Paul II. Over 4,300 volunteers and 1,000 police officers will assist in managing the event. In a modern twist, Pope Leo recently hosted a mass for Catholic social media influencers, reflecting the Vatican's embrace of digital outreach. Rome has heightened security to accommodate the influx of pilgrims and tourists, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all attendees. - AFP
Herald Malaysia
15 hours ago
- Herald Malaysia
Aleppo Friar in Rome for Jubilee: 'We are living the dream of many Syrians'
Arriving in Rome with some young people—refugees in Europe with their families due to the civil war that broke out in 2011—the Franciscan friar of the Custody of the Holy Land shares with Vatican Media the difficulties faced by the parish of St. Francis of Assisi following recent attacks. However, he also bears witness to the 'daily miracle' of a living Christian community of over 1,200 faithful, who continue to persevere with faith and hope. Aug 02, 2025 Young pilgrims from Syria By Edoardo Giribaldi'I hope to bring much, much hope.' These may be simple words, yet they contain all the strength and faith of Brother George Jallouf, a Franciscan of the Custody of the Holy Land and assistant pastor of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Aleppo. He arrived in Rome with a group of young people—'children of the diaspora,' as he calls them—to take part in the Jubilee. It is with them, he says, that 'we are realizing a dream that many in Syria still cannot live.' Young people in Syria asked him to light a candle for themThe young people, refugees in Europe along with their families due to the civil war that erupted in 2011, now live in Germany, France, Belgium, and Sweden. On a hot Roman afternoon, they find shelter in the shade of Palazzo Pio, home to the Vatican Media offices, proudly waving the flag of their homeland. 'Syrians, at this moment, cannot travel easily due to complications with visas,' explains Brother George. Nevertheless, the friar personally took upon himself all the intentions of the local Christian community, sharing, 'They asked me to light a candle for them and to carry them with me through the Holy Door.' In fact, he did so. He took photos, sent messages, bearing witness that 'they too were there, even if from afar.' The difficulties and 'daily miracles' in Aleppo Regardless, the reality in Syria remains difficult. 'In Aleppo, the situation is relatively calm,' he says, 'but after the recent attacks in Damascus, fear has returned to the hearts of the faithful. We've had to increase security even during Masses: men stand at the church doors to protect those coming in to pray.' Despite everything, the Christian community continues to endure. A numerical minority—about 1,200 faithful—but a living, active presence. 'We have catechism classes from kindergarten all the way through high school," he says, noting, "It's a grace, a daily miracle.' When he returns to Syria, Brother George will bring with him the faces, words, and blessing of Rome, and also a certainty, 'The Lord is with us. Hope does not disappoint. And we are called to be that hope, every day, for those we encounter.' From Syria to pray for peace throughout the Middle East 'Just being here and representing Syria is, in itself, a source of pride,' shares one of the young Syrians in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, adding, 'It's an indescribable emotion. We are truly happy. And we pray that, one day, there may be peace in all the countries of this world.' Echoing him is a fellow pilgrim, who explains how their presence is meaningful not only for Syria but for the entire Middle East. 'There are so many wonderful young Christians there, with a tremendous faith.' Like Brother George, the young people have become messengers of the prayers and dreams of their peers, reflecting, 'We pray here on their behalf, in their name.' Especially aware of the gift that the opportunity to be in Rome and participate in the Jubilee represents, they tell Vatican News, 'We pray especially that the Lord may one day give them too the chance to come and live this experience.'--Vatican News
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Caribbean activists celebrate as Saint Lucia strikes down gay sex ban
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia (Reuters) -Caribbean gay rights activists celebrated a landmark court ruling this week striking down colonial-era legislation in the island nation of Saint Lucia that criminalized gay sexual relations and imposed prison terms of up to a decade. The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court issued the decision on Tuesday in the case brought by LGBTQ rights alliance ECADE on behalf of a gay couple. The court ruled that sections of the criminal code that outlawed "buggery" and "gross indecency" were unconstitutional. "Our own courts are now recognizing that these colonial-era laws are incompatible with human dignity," Dane Lewis, regional program manager at rights group CariFLAGS, said. Many Caribbean countries still have laws forbidding intimacy between people of the same sex, a legacy of British colonial-era statutes. Though rarely enforced, activists say these cement widespread institutional biases and discrimination. Jessica St. Rose, founder of local rights group 758Pride, said the ruling marked a "momentous legal change." "It sends a clear message that love is not a crime," she said, though Saint Lucia still needs reforms to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination and threats to their safety. Saint Lucian politicians were mostly silent about the decision publicly, including Prime Minister Philip Pierre who made a national address ahead of Friday's Emancipation Day. In nearby Guyana, where "buggery" is a felony subject to a lifetime behind bars, rights group Guyana Together welcomed that another country in the CARICOM regional bloc had "dismantled these archaic laws." More than 60 countries worldwide criminalize gay sex, many former British colonies across Africa and the Caribbean. There was some criticism on social media from Saint Lucia residents of the decision, some citing Christian scripture and calling the ruling a sin. "We do expect the religious society to come out to speak out against the recent ruling," St. Rose said. Bradley Desir, a gay man from Saint Lucia who moved to Canada in 2016, said he was encouraged by signs of change and would feel safer visiting the island though he would still maintain his guard. "I hope they carry on with the discussion and possibly call for the legalization of (gay) marriage," he said, adding he did not expect this in his lifetime. The growing visibility of LGBTQ people through global media was a positive sign, he added: "Kids today are growing up in a different world." (Reporting by Sarah Peter in Castries; Editing by Sarah Morland and Cynthia Osterman)
