Vatican representative at UN pleads for end to Syria 'bloodbath'

May 17, 2013 - 12:06 am .- The apostolic nuncio to the United Nations urged those with influence over the warring parties in Syria to encourage them to end the violence and seek peace.

Kidnapped Syrian bishop in need of medicine

May 1, 2013 - 12:36 pm .- No news has emerged of the two kidnapped Orthodox bishops in Syria, more than a week since their disappearance, and reports have now surfaced that one is in grave need of medications for his health conditions.

Cardinal Dolan urges freedom for kidnapped bishops

Apr 29, 2013 - 12:11 pm .- Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a plea for the release of two kidnapped Orthodox archbishops in Syria.

Kidnapped bishops spur call for religious freedom promotion

Apr 24, 2013 - 05:19 pm .- The recent kidnapping of two Orthodox bishops in Syria has a former diplomat urging the U.S. government to make religious liberty a greater priority in its foreign policy.

Syrian Christians begin traditional fast amid continuing violence

Aug 3, 2012 - 05:06 pm .- The head of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church encouraged Syria's Eastern Catholics to offer prayers for peace during their church's traditional August 1–14 fasting period in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Pope Benedict urges end to bloodshed in Syria

Jul 29, 2012 - 11:55 am .- Pope Benedict XVI called for an immediate halt to “all violence and shedding of blood” in Syria during his weekly Angelus address on Sunday.

Syrian archbishop laments continued violence

Jul 19, 2012 - 12:06 am .- Maronite Archbishop Samir Nassar of Damascus spoke out against the violent conflict between government and rebel forces in Syria, drawing particular attention to the plight of refugees.

Patriarch hopes Lebanon papal visit will bring peace to Syria

Jul 18, 2012 - 12:05 pm .- Patriarch Gregorios III, head of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, said he hopes Pope Benedict's visit to Lebanon in September will bring peace and reconciliation to Syria.

Syrian bishop says civil war not the only option

Jun 21, 2012 - 02:03 am .- One of Syria's most senior Catholic bishops believes his country can still regain the path to peace and reform despite the armed revolt against President Bashar al-Assad now entering its 16th month.