Christians in Syria are once again facing a deadly wave of sectarian violence, as armed militants continue to target their communities. Catholic groups have been particularly affected in recent weeks, with churches burned, homes destroyed, and families forced to flee for safety.

The violence escalated in mid-July when extremists carried out coordinated attacks on Christian settlements. On July 15, the Greek Melkite Catholic Church of St. Michael in the village of Al-Sura was deliberately set ablaze. Witnesses reported that militants stormed the area shouting anti-Christian slogans before torching the sanctuary. The church, an important spiritual center for local Catholics, was reduced to rubble.

Just days earlier, on July 13, Syrian security forces, aided by local residents, thwarted a bombing attempt on the Maronite Catholic Church of Mar Elias near Tartus. Authorities arrested several suspects believed to be linked to a militant group responsible for attacks on Christians.

The Catholic community in Shahba has been sheltering over 70 displaced Christians who fled their homes after a series of arson attacks. At least 38 Christian houses were destroyed, leaving families homeless and traumatized. Parish priests and lay volunteers have opened the church hall to provide food, bedding, and medical care to those in need.

Catholic leaders across the region have condemned the attacks and urged the international community to act. Bishop Antoine Audo, a prominent Catholic leader in Syria, said the recent violence signals a dangerous rise in religious intolerance. “The Christian community is once again being pushed to the margins, and many fear that another mass exodus may soon follow,” he warned.

Christian populations in Syria have dwindled significantly since the start of the civil war. Before the conflict, Christians made up roughly 10% of the country’s population. Today, that number has fallen to less than 2%, with many seeking refuge in Europe, the Americas, or neighboring countries.

In light of the worsening situation, Catholic charity organizations, including Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), have called for increased support to protect Syria’s Christian heritage and provide aid to persecuted families. ACN has launched emergency relief operations to supply food, medicine, and housing for displaced Christians in affected provinces.

The Vatican has not yet issued a formal statement, but several Catholic voices have called on Pope Francis to advocate for the protection of Christians in Syria. Local clergy are pleading for prayers and international solidarity as they navigate a dangerous and uncertain future.

As violence against Christians intensifies, the Catholic Church in Syria stands firm in its mission to provide hope, dignity, and protection to the faithful amidst one of the worst sectarian crises in recent years.