Dean of Eastern Churches raises prayers in Aleppo for earthquake victims

In the presence of a mass of clergymen and worshippers, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, Dean of the Eastern Churches Department in Vatican City, and the papal ambassador in Damascus, Cardinal Mario Zenari, attended the divine Mass presided over by Bishop George Masri, pastor of the Aleppo Archdiocese, in Our Lady’s Cathedral in Old Aleppo, for the comfort of the souls of the earthquake victims and the healing of the wounded.

In a statement to reporters, Gugerotti said: “Today, I convey to you the blessings and love of His Holiness Pope Francis in this ordeal, calling for prayer because we have great hope in God, and we are sure that the Syrian people – as they have faced many difficulties and overcame them, will emerge from the consequences of the devastating earthquake as well.”

Gugerotti added: “We pray for you and stand by you under the guidance of His Holiness the Pope, conveying to you a message of hope that will enlighten our days under all difficulties.”

Amal Farhat