Christians hopeful as Syrian cease-fire extended

(Vatican Radio) The cessation of hostilities in Syria has been extended to allow humanitarian aid to reach those most in need. Bishop Antoine Audo, President of Caritas Syria spoke to Vatican Radio from his Aleppo headquarters and expressed his people’s hope for the silencing of all weapons…    

Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni:

“Everyone – especially here in Aleppo – is awaiting this change. We are hoping… we have been suffering for six years, and we are hoping for signs of peace and reconciliation. We are hoping…” 

Meanwhile, bishop Antoine Audo, President of the local Syrian Caritas organization that is fundamental in getting humanitarian assistance into the besieged city, says his people are working as always and are able now to bring food and medicine into the city, although he has heard that factions opposed to the new deal are planning to step up the bombing again on the city center…

Of his community of Christians, Bishop Audo says: “they have welcomed the news with joy, but at the same time they are unbelieving”.

And again, he speaks of his hope for peace, for Aleppo, but also for the rest of Syria where he prays for a continued Christian presence.

And in line with Pope Francis, Bishop Audo reiterates his firm belief that the solution to the conflict must be a political one.

“Those who pursue a military solution want to destroy Syria” he says. But we need a political solution so that Syria can continue to exist as a peaceful and independent State, where people can work and live together.