Monsignor Luigi Roberto Cona, the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, visited the Idlib province villages of Yaqubie, Knaye, and Ghassanieh from June 26–28, to bolster the local Christian community. Amidst ongoing recovery from both the Syrian civil war and the 2023 earthquake, the visit focused on economic stabilization, the preservation of religious heritage, and providing pastoral support to residents facing potential demographic collapse.
Strategic Recovery for Idlib’s Christian Enclaves
According to Father Khoukaz Mesrob, parish priest of Knaye, the church is currently prioritizing the restoration of schools and housing damaged by conflict, the 2023 earthquake, and acts of vandalism. These efforts are essential for encouraging the return of families displaced to other parts of Syria.
Monsignor Cona proposed a specific economic model to address the lack of local employment: the development of “alberghi diffusi” or scattered hotels. By renovating traditional buildings, these villages could leverage their historical significance to attract tourists, providing a necessary injection of capital. This initiative aims to curb the trend of young people leaving the region, a concern highlighted during the Nuncio’s meetings with local youth who noted that only two marriages have been celebrated in the area over the last five to six years.
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The presence of Franciscan friars in these villages serves as a critical social anchor. Despite the region’s history as a former stronghold of the Islamic State, the friars have maintained operations at the Santa Elisabetta di Ungheria clinic and local schools, providing services to all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
The Intersection of Faith and Resilience
The testimonies gathered during the Nuncio’s visit underscore the trauma experienced by residents. Bassem Artin, a local resident, shared his experience of being kidnapped and tortured by fundamentalist groups during the war. Artin credits his survival to his faith, stating that he felt a divine presence during his captivity. Similarly, Salim Jallouf described the loss of his family home—first damaged by an airstrike in July 2014 that resulted in the amputation of his leg, and later completely destroyed by the 2023 earthquake.
Monsignor Cona emphasized that for these communities, security is not merely a political or governmental outcome, but a byproduct of religious endurance. During his meetings with local officials—including Abdel Qader Tahan, Vice Minister of the Interior, and Ahmad Ghandour, director of the Al-Rahma hospital—Cona highlighted the “model of peaceful coexistence” that has historically defined the region. The display of the Vatican and Syrian flags side-by-side served as a symbolic call for the restoration of this social fabric.
Addressing Future Demographic Risks
The risk of these villages emptying of their Christian population is a primary concern for the Custody of the Holy Land. Father Bahjat Karakash, the delegate of the Custodian of the Holy Land in Syria, noted that in areas like Jdaide, the departure of clergy during the 2012 rebel takeover left a vacuum that Franciscan friars have worked to fill through spiritual and humanitarian assistance.
The path forward, as identified by the Nuncio and community leaders, involves:
- Vocational Training: Implementing courses to help youth integrate into larger enterprises.
- Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Prioritizing the completion of school and housing projects to stabilize returning families.
- Economic Diversification: Moving beyond agriculture toward heritage-based tourism to create local jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Christian community in Idlib?
The community is in a phase of slow recovery. While many residents were displaced during the war and the 2023 earthquake, there is a concerted effort by the Custody of the Holy Land to restore housing and schools to facilitate the return of families.
How are the Franciscan friars supporting the region?
The friars manage essential services, including the Santa Elisabetta di Ungheria clinic and local schools. They also provide spiritual guidance and coordinate humanitarian aid for both Christian and non-Christian populations.
What economic solutions have been proposed?
Monsignor Cona has suggested the creation of scattered hotels (alberghi diffusi) using traditional local architecture to stimulate the economy and provide employment for the youth, reducing the incentive for migration.
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