Syria Conflict

The Latest

Young Salesians in Syria.

How the Salesians are helping youth in Syria, a country in its 12th year of civil war

Mar 16, 2023

By Abel Camasca

March 15 marked the 12th year of civil war in Syria, where bombs, poverty, and earthquakes have destroyed the country. Read more

A Syrian refugee.

‘You are not forgotten,’ Pope Francis tells Syrians entering 12th year of war

Mar 17, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Since the war started on March 15, 2011, half a million people have died. Read more

Majed, a Syrian refugee living in Zahlé, Lebanon.

Here’s what a young Syrian refugee is hoping for this Christmas

Dec 14, 2021

By CNA Staff

‘I have become a refugee, just like the Child Jesus,’ says Majed. Read more

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri (front row, sixth from left) with Syrian Catholic Church leaders.

Pope Francis donates $170,000 to Catholic Church in Syria

Oct 28, 2021

By CNA Staff

The country’s civil war has claimed more than 350,000 lives since 2011. Read more

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, in St. Peter’s Square, Oct. 10, 2019.

Vatican cardinal visits Syria in 10th year of civil war

Oct 25, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri will spend eight days in the country. Read more

On 10th anniversary of Syria’s war, Catholic charity urges US and EU to help aid reach poor

Mar 15, 2021

On the 10th anniversary of Syria’s war, a Catholic charity has urged the U.S. and E.U. to remove obstacles to... Read more

Pope Francis gives a blessing after his Angelus address on Aug. 30, 2020.

Pope Francis prays for 'martyred Syria' on eve of 10th anniversary of war

Mar 14, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis urged the world not to forget the ongoing suffering of the “martyred” people of Syria on the eve... Read more

The UN Security Council meeting in New York City, 2018.

Pope Francis wants 'holistic approach' to Middle East, UN Security Council told

Jan 23, 2020

Pope Francis is concerned about the worsening situation in the Middle East, and is urging a continued commitment to dialogue... Read more

Syrian Refugees Camp at Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Lebanon on the brink: Syrian crisis threatens 'last safe haven' for Christians

Nov 20, 2019

A new report claims that the Syrian refugee crisis is severely burdening Lebanon’s limited resources and threatens its pluralism, requiring immediate... Read more

Despite terror, Aleppo's Christians have hope, desire to rebuild

Feb 2, 2017

By Hannah Brockhaus

Despite the destruction caused by nearly six years of conflict between rebels and pro-government forces, the people in Aleppo, especially... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square April 13, 2016.

There is no justification for killing innocent people, Pope says

Nov 17, 2016

By Hannah Brockhaus

In a meeting with the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East Thursday, Pope Francis criticized ongoing violence in... Read more

Bishop Antoine Audo of Aleppo, Syria, in Rome on Sept. 16, 2015.

We want solutions, not guns – a Syrian bishop speaks out

Sep 16, 2015

By Elise Harris

Outside entities who drive the Syrian war – either through the selling of arms or their own political and strategic... Read more

Fr. Frans van der Lugt. Courtesy: Wael Salibi.

'I can't leave my people': Priest killed in Syria hailed as martyr

Apr 15, 2014

By Elise Harris

Days after Dutch priest Fr. Frans van der Lugt was murdered in Syria, a close young friend recalled his saintly... Read more

 Syrian refugees in the Bekaa valley in Lebanon.

Three years in, Catholics note brutality of Syrian conflict

Mar 15, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

As today marks the third anniversary of uprisings which led to civil war in Syria, Catholic leaders there and in... Read more

A young family brings the offertory to Pope Francis at the Christmas Vigil Mass on December 24.

Peace requires 'daily commitment,' says Pope in Christmas message

Dec 25, 2013

In his Christmas message, Pope Francis prayed for peace throughout the world as a fruit of God`s grace, to be... Read more

Cardinal Robert Sarah President of the Pontifical Council

Vatican launches healthcare initiative for Syrian refugee children

Nov 29, 2013

By Elise Harris

The Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” has collaborated with other Catholic organizations in order to arrange a special mission which will... Read more

Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III of Antioch.

Catholic patriarch fears extremist slant of Syrian rebel groups

Oct 22, 2013

Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III of Antioch has said that the success of Syrian rebels could worsen the plight... Read more

Syrian Christians find lives 'paralyzed' by wartime chaos

Oct 7, 2013

Only peace can end the suffering of Syria’s Christian refugees, say local Christian leaders who emphasize the need to give... Read more

Smoke billows skyward as homes and buildings are shelled June 9, 2012 in the city of Homs, Syria.

Do not forget Syria's Christians, priest urges Westerners

Sep 27, 2013

A Syrian priest has urged the West to remember the Christians in his country, many of whom are fleeing due... Read more