The Pope received several members of the Greek-Melkite Church. He is concerned about the survival of this Eastern Church. He did, however, congratulate the members on their diaspora's success in maintaining traditions in communities in Australia, the United States, Canada, Venezuela, or Argentina despite their situation.
Pope Francis recalled that in his first year as Pope, he called the prayer vigil in the face of the threat of the war in Syria involving great world powers. St. Peter's Square was completely filled with very diverse people. Not all were Christians.
POPE FRANCIS
There were also Muslims who brought their mat and prayed with us. There the expression 'Syria beloved and martyred' was born.
Pope Francis once again called for a peaceful solution to the country's problems.
POPE FRANCIS
We cannot allow even the last ounce of hope to be taken out of the eyes and hearts of the youth and families. I therefore reiterate my call to all those who have responsibilities within the country or in the international community to unite to find a fair and just solution to the drama of Syria.
The Greek-Melkite Church is an Eastern Catholic Church that follows the Constantinopolitan tradition and uses Greek and Arabic as liturgical languages.
RM
TRANS: OG
