Archbishop Viganò Raises Alarming Concerns: What Is Happening to Syrian Christians?

Syrian extremists
Aleppo, Syria 16 October 2016:

Amidst escalating violence, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò issued a critical plea urging global intervention to safeguard Syrian Christians and Alawites from brutal U.S.-NATO supported regimes.

Key Takeaways

  • Christian Solidarity International (CSI) warns of genocide in Syria due to atrocities by pro-government militias.
  • Interim government volunteer recruitment leads to Alawite civilian massacres in March.
  • The HTS-led coalition overthrows Assad, triggering severe sectarian violence.
  • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemns violence, urging international law compliance.
  • Escalation of violence risks destabilizing Syria and beyond, impacting Western nations.

Archbishop Viganò’s Warning

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has voiced urgent concerns about the perilous circumstances for Syrian Christians and Alawites. He attributes these issues to U.S.-NATO interventions, which have bolstered Islamist regimes known for egregious human rights abuses. He emphasizes that Western complicity exacerbates the dire situation, lambasting policymakers and Catholic leaders for their silence amidst the chaos.

Reports highlight continuous sectarian violence, with a notable massacre of over 1,000 Alawite civilians by militias loyal to the government.

Genocide Warnings and International Appeals

The situation has prompted Christian Solidarity International to issue a Genocide Warning. The conditions for such atrocities remain especially dire in areas under the control of HTS and allied factions. This violence includes recent massacres of Alawite civilians, triggering potential regional instability. These developments are poised to affect international relations, with possible repercussions on Western countries, as highlighted by Viganò.

Calls to Action and Global Response

In response to the escalating crisis, Viganò underscores the necessity for immediate intervention. He emphasizes that allowing the violence to escalate unchecked could have unforeseen repercussions globally. His message acts as a call to action for Catholics, urging prayers, fasting, and penance during Lent to support those affected.

Simultaneously, prominent figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have called for the upholding of international laws and human rights, emphasizing accountability and justice to deter further atrocities. Rubio’s statements reflect a broader need for cohesive international action to tackle the crisis.