President Al-Assad Receives Letter from Pope Francis Stressing Vatican’s Condemnation of All Forms of Terrorism

DAMASCUS, (ST)- President Bashar Al-Assad on Monday received a letter from Pope Francis of Vatican conveyed to him by the Papal Ambassador in Damascus Cardinal Mario Zenari.

In his letter the Pope expressed his deep sympathy with the Syrian people under the critical circumstances Syria is experiencing, stressing the Vatican’s condemnation of all forms of terrorism and extremism.

He urged unifying the efforts of all countries to put an end to war in Syria and to restore the hoped-for peace to the country as to stay an example of coexistence among different religions and cultures.

President Al-Assad reiterated that Syria, as a state and people, is determined to restore security and stability nationwide and it is pressing ahead with achieving reconciliation that forms the best way to achieve this hoped-for goal.

 President Al-Assad congratulated Ambassador Zenari on being elevated to the rank of Cardinal, pointing out that staying as an Ambassador for the Vatican to Syria after getting this high rank is a unique development and it represents an unprecedented political, historical and humanitarian step that affirms the Pope’s great interest in Syria and the Syrian people.

On his part, Zenari expressed his happiness for staying the Vatican’s Ambassador to Syria after getting the Cardinal rank, affirming that Syria, the cradle of civilizations and heavenly religions, is an important country with key regional role and it will surpass the crisis and emerge better than before.  

Hamda Mustafa