Archbishop Mourad: Interreligious Dialogue Is a Lifeline for Syria’s Future

Archbishop Mourad: Interreligious Dialogue Is a Lifeline for Syria’s Future

Vatican City: In a moving ceremony at the Royal Hall of the Apostolic Palace, Archbishop Jacques Mourad, the Syrian Catholic Metropolitan of Homs, received the prestigious St. John Paul II Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to peace, reconciliation, and interreligious dialogue in war-torn Syria.

The award, instituted by the John Paul II Vatican Foundation, celebrates those who embody the late pontiff’s vision of faith in action and dialogue among civilizations. Presenting the honour, Fr. Paweł Ptasznik, President of the Foundation, praised Archbishop Mourad as “a living witness of faith and hope, who has turned personal suffering into a mission of peace.”

Archbishop Mourad’s life is a testament to courage under persecution. In 2015, as a monk and priest, he was kidnapped by Islamic State militants and held captive for five months. Subjected to torture and a mock execution, he refused to renounce his Christian faith. His eventual release did not deter him but deepened his resolve to promote forgiveness and dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

Since his appointment as Metropolitan of Homs, Mourad has become a moral beacon in Syria’s long journey toward healing. His initiatives have focused on reconciliation, humanitarian support, and interfaith cooperation in communities devastated by years of conflict.

Speaking during the ceremony, Cardinal Kurt Koch, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and chair of the award committee, said the recognition was a tribute to “a life of profound witness of faith, Christian love, and dialogue in a region that has known immense suffering.”

The event was attended by Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio to Syria; Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of St. Paul Outside the Walls; former Polish Prime Minister Hanna Suchocka; and diplomats and clergy from across the world.

Cardinal Koch invoked the words of Pope St. John Paul II, who urged the Church to “breathe with two lungs, Eastern and Western.” He said Archbishop Mourad embodies that spirit working to unite divided communities through understanding and compassion.

Delivering the presentation speech, Professor Andrea Riccardi highlighted the Archbishop’s message of fraternity. “He has taught us that living together among diversity is not merely coexistence but communion a call to recognize each other as brothers and sisters,” Riccardi remarked.

Accepting the award, Archbishop Mourad dedicated it to the Catholic Church in Syria, calling it “a tribute to the Church’s spiritual, social, and intellectual struggle across these difficult years.”

Archbishop Mourad emphasized that dialogue between religions is essential for Syria’s survival.

“Today, Christians and Muslims alike are called to recognize and nurture the bonds that unite us,” he said. “All our faith traditions uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person. Interreligious and intercultural dialogue is not optional it is a vital necessity of our times, especially for Syria, still scarred by war.”

He expressed gratitude to the youth and religious sisters who sustain the Church’s mission in Syria and called for renewed global solidarity to help the nation rise toward reconciliation and democracy.

Despite the devastation of war, Archbishop Mourad said Syria remains a nation of faith and resilience.

“We are a people of faith, and therefore a people of hope. Our perseverance is our testimony to the world. May it stir the conscience of nations to work sincerely for lasting peace,” he affirmed.

In closing, Archbishop Mourad expressed heartfelt thanks to Pope Leo XIV and the John Paul II Foundation for supporting initiatives of peace and dialogue.

He dedicated the award to Fr. Paolo Dall’Oglio, the Jesuit priest and founder of the Mar Moussa Monastery, who was abducted in 2013 and remains missing.

“He pioneered the mission of dialogue in Syria a dialogue grounded in Christ’s love and respect toward Muslims,” Mourad said.

He also honoured his monastic community at Mar Moussa, founded in 1982, which continues its mission of “holy hospitality” by welcoming all, especially Muslims, and organizing interfaith gatherings on theology, culture, and peace.

As the ceremony concluded, applause echoed through the Apostolic Palace a tribute not only to a man who endured persecution for his faith but also to a shepherd who continues to guide his people toward reconciliation through the power of dialogue.


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