During a visit to Cologne, Syrian Franciscan Father Fadi Aazr painted a bleak picture of life for Christians in Syria, describing it as a daily struggle for survival amid fear, violence, and lack of prospects.
He stressed that Christians are not “guests” in Syria but an integral part of its history. Yet they face discrimination at work, and many church services are held under heavy security.
Aazr recalled the June 2025 suicide bombing at St. Elias Church in Damascus, which killed at least 20 people and was claimed by the Islamic State.
Beyond security threats, poverty and shortages of basic services such as electricity and water weigh heavily on daily life, pushing many families to consider emigration.
Before 2011, Syria had about 1.5 million Christians; today fewer than 300,000 remain, with studies warning of a possible disappearance of Christian presence in the coming decades.
He emphasized that the church has become the only social refuge for many, regardless of faith. Despite contemplating leaving, he decided to remain in Aleppo to support the people.
Sources – Agencies
