Vatican City: In the wake of the horrific suicide bombing that struck St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, Pope Leo XIV has extended his profound sorrow and spiritual solidarity to all those affected by the tragedy. A telegram sent on the Pope’s behalf, dated June 24, conveyed a message of mourning, compassion, and prayer for the victims and their families.
The message, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, described the Holy Father as being “deeply saddened” upon hearing of the loss of life and devastation caused by the attack on the historic church, also known as Mar Elias. The bombing, which took place during a church service, resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, leaving the Christian community in Syria reeling from yet another act of targeted violence.
In the telegram, Pope Leo XIV offered his full moral and spiritual support, stating that he “joins his voice with all those who are grieving” and that he stands in prayerful unity with the wounded, the bereaved, and the entire Syrian nation. He emphasized that such violence, particularly when it occurs in sacred spaces, is a violation not only of human dignity but of divine sanctity.
The Holy Father entrusted the souls of the deceased “to the loving mercy of our heavenly Father,” and prayed for swift recovery for those who were injured, as well as consolation for grieving families. His message also included an appeal for divine intervention, invoking the “Almighty’s gifts of healing, comfort, and lasting peace” for Syria and its war-torn people.
This papal gesture of compassion comes amid growing calls from Church leaders across the Middle East and the Holy Land for greater international protection of Christian minorities, particularly in Syria, where sectarian violence has made places of worship a frequent target.
The telegram is part of a broader Vatican response to the tragedy, reflecting Pope Leo XIV’s consistent emphasis on defending persecuted Christians and promoting religious coexistence. In previous statements, the Pope has condemned acts of terror committed in the name of religion, urging the global community to reject hatred and build peace through dialogue and mutual respect.
As investigations into the bombing continue, and as Syria’s Christian population mourns yet another devastating blow, the Pope’s message offers a glimmer of pastoral hope and spiritual unity, reminding the faithful that the Church stands with them, even in their darkest hours.