A suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, resulted in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. The attack, which occurred during a Sunday evening service, has been widely condemned by religious leaders and international entities. Eyewitness accounts describe the involvement of armed individuals, with one detonating an explosive vest. The incident is the first religiously motivated attack against Christians in Syria since the fall of the previous regime. Church leaders have expressed shock and solidarity with the victims and the Christian community.
10 days ago
On June 22, 2025, a suicide bombing targeted St. Elias Church, a Greek Orthodox church in the Dweila district of Damascus, Syria 1 2 3 6. The attack occurred during a Sunday evening Divine Liturgy, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread condemnation 3 4 6.
Eyewitnesses reported that two armed men stormed the church 3 4. One attacker fired at worshippers and the stained-glass windows from outside 3 4. The other attempted to enter the church with a grenade 3 4. Parishioners Jiris and Boutros Bishara intervened, preventing the grenade's detonation, but the attacker then detonated a suicide belt while being dragged outside 3 4. Fr. Meletius Shahati reported a second gunman shooting at the church door before the explosion 6.
The attack resulted in at least 20 deaths and over 60 injuries 1 2 3 4 6. First responders and civil defense members arrived on the scene to inspect the damage 6. Photos showed blood-spattered walls and mangled pews, with significant damage to the altar 6.
The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land condemned the "unspeakable evil" and called for the protection of Christians 1. The Antiochian Greek Orthodox Patriarchate also strongly condemned the attack and urged Syrian authorities to protect places of worship and ensure the safety of all citizens 2 3 4. Patriarch John X. Yazigi contacted local and regional leaders to convey the severity of the situation 3 4.
The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate stated that the attack reflects increasing threats to Christians' lives and their right to worship freely, signaling a rise in sectarian tensions in Syria 3 4. Father Melatios Shtahi noted that a series of previously described isolated incidents led to this moment 3 4. Maronite patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai described the targeting of Christians as an affront to the region's heritage of diversity 3 4.
Syria's Interior Ministry attributed the attack to a bomber affiliated with ISIS, who opened fire before detonating his vest 6. Syria's Interior Ministry attributed the attack to a bomber affiliated with ISIS, who opened fire before detonating his vest 6.
What is the Catholic Church's teaching on religious freedom?
The Catholic Church upholds religious freedom as a fundamental human right rooted in the dignity of the human person . This right includes the freedom to practice one's faith openly, both individually and within a community, without coercion .
The Church recognizes that religious freedom is essential for peaceful coexistence and the overall good of society . It is a cornerstone of human rights and a measure of a society's commitment to the well-being of its people .
The Church acknowledges that religious freedom is not universally respected and that many people face difficulties, marginalization, and persecution for their faith . The Church advocates for governments to work together to guarantee religious freedom for everyone .
In summary, the Catholic Church views religious freedom as a fundamental right grounded in human dignity. It encompasses the freedom to practice one's faith individually and communally, while respecting the rights of others and the common good. The Church calls on states to protect and promote religious freedom as a cornerstone of a just and peaceful society.