H.H. Pope Tawadros II expressed his solidarity with the statement issued by the Patriarchs of Syria regarding the ongoing events in Syria. He called on leaders there and around the world to strive to halt the spread of hatred.

This came at the conclusion of his weekly Wednesday meeting, which he held this evening at the Papal Residence in Cairo.

Pope Tawadros warned of the grave danger of violating the sanctity of human life, communities, and nations, emphasizing that he prays for the suffering and the victims.

His Holiness stated: “We suffer for what is happening in Syria—the severe circumstances there, the deeply distressing scenes and news. We join our voice with that of the patriarchs, who expressed their stance in their statement issued on March 8. We unite with them in prayer and ask for vision and wisdom for all officials.”

He added: “Every person must know that evil and hatred are the path to hell, and it is the spread of hatred in human life that leads people to commit such acts.”

Pope Tawadros pointed out: “What we have seen, heard, and read is primarily driven by hatred. Therefore, I appeal to leaders at all levels, everywhere, to combat hatred—among children, adults, youth, families, and nations.”

His Holiness reiterated firmly: “Hatred is the path to hell, and there is no other path to it. Hatred manifests as cruelty, lack of mercy, violation of the sanctity of human life, and attacks on society, the nation, and the unity of peoples.”

He warned: “Minorities are human beings created by God! As it was said about Abel when his brother Cain killed him, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me” , so too does the blood of every innocent person cry out before God.”

Pope Tawadros concluded: “We stand with those who suffer, the wounded, the victims, and the injured. We pray for them, that God may grant them inner peace, reassuring them that He will avenge them at the appointed time.”

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