A window of opportunity exists for the Trump administration and international partners to help Syria establish a stable, pluralistic state. Sean Callahan, president of Catholic Relief Services, assessed the situation after a fact-finding mission following a suicide bombing in a Christian neighborhood of Damascus. The attack on Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church caused significant casualties and heightened anxieties within the Christian community. The remaining Christian population in Syria is dwindling, and the future stability of the nation is crucial for protecting religious minorities. Syrian refugees are closely watching developments, with the bombing potentially discouraging them from returning to help rebuild the country.
5 months ago
A narrow window of opportunity exists for the Trump administration and international partners to assist Syria in establishing a stable, pluralistic state, according to Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 1. This assessment follows a recent fact-finding mission by Callahan to Syria from June 28 to July 2, 2025 1.
The fragility of Syria's progress was highlighted by a suicide bombing on June 22, 2025, at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, which killed 25 people 1. This attack, reminiscent of the civil war's worst days, has been attributed to the re-emergence of Islamic State sleeper cells and has heightened anxiety, particularly among Syria's Christian minority, whose population has drastically decreased from 1.5 million before 2011 to an estimated 300,000 today 1. Government officials have condemned the attack as an "abomination" and implemented new security measures, including checkpoints and armed guards, to protect Christian sites 1.
The Trump administration's recent overtures to Syria's new leadership, including the lifting of economic and political sanctions and the revocation of the "terrorist" designation for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (H.T.S.)—the Sunni rebel force that toppled Bashar al-Assad—have been welcomed by both the transitional government and average Syrians 1. Ahmed al-Shara, the H.T.S. leader, now heads the transitional government, and the State Department has normalized diplomatic relations 1.
Despite these positive diplomatic steps, the situation remains volatile; a new conflict erupted on July 16, 2025, involving clashes between Sunni Bedouin and Druse communities in northern Syria 1. This escalated when Syrian government intervention prompted Israeli airstrikes on Syrian government and defense ministry targets in Damascus, though a ceasefire was quickly declared 1. Simultaneously, the Trump administration's decision to significantly curtail humanitarian and development assistance, including the termination of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), poses a challenge to reconstruction efforts 1. CRS plans to maintain some programs with its own resources while advocating for the State Department to reconsider its role 1.
During his visit to cities like Damascus, Hama, and Aleppo, Callahan observed lingering civil war damage but also signs of people returning and rebuilding 1. He noted the commitment of Syrian young professionals who, while hopeful, are realistic about the communal and diplomatic hurdles ahead 1. Many Syrians are weighing whether to continue investing in their country or seek opportunities abroad, underscoring the urgent need for international support to consolidate gains and prevent further instability 1.
How should the Church respond to persecution of religious minorities?
The Catholic Church teaches that religious freedom is a fundamental human right rooted in the dignity of the human person . This right includes the freedom to practice one's faith within an organized religious community, free from coercion . The Church's response to the persecution of religious minorities is multifaceted, emphasizing advocacy, solidarity, and the promotion of justice and peace.
Advocacy for Religious Freedom: The Church actively advocates for the protection of religious freedom globally. This involves:
Solidarity and Support: The Church expresses solidarity with persecuted religious minorities and provides support through various means:
Promoting Dialogue and Peace: The Church emphasizes dialogue and reconciliation as crucial elements in addressing persecution:
In essence, the Church's response to the persecution of religious minorities is grounded in the belief that religious freedom is a cornerstone of human rights and essential for the good of individuals and society . It calls for robust protection of this right, active solidarity with the persecuted, and persistent efforts to foster dialogue and peace.