Syria

As much of the world’s attention is turned toward the pandemic and the current crisis in Ukraine, the conflict that has engulfed Syria for over a decade has been largely forgotten, said the apostolic nuncio to Syria.

Before giving his Christmas blessing to the city of Rome and to the world, Pope Francis drew attention to the many places around the globe and within human hearts in need of Jesus, the prince of peace.

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Pope Francis sent a video message Dec. 10 to an online meeting about the Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian crises.

Three Catholic-run hospitals providing life-saving services free of charge to vulnerable Syrians hope to aid some 50,000 patients by the project’s end next year.

Pope Francis welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Vatican July 4, and the two discussed the ongoing wars in Eastern Ukraine and in Syria, the Vatican said. Russia plays a major role in both conflicts.