Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, as Pope Francis’ envoy, will visit Syria to bring blessings and solidarity to Catholics, emphasizing the Church’s efforts for renewal.
Vatican City (01/22/2025 12:06, Gaudium Press) Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, has been appointed as the Pope’s envoy to Syria. The purpose of his visit, scheduled for January 24 to 29, is to convey the Pope’s embrace and blessing to the Catholics in the country.
Pope Francis hopes that the local faithful will feel his affection and the support of the entire Catholic Church, especially the Bishop of Rome, who continuously prays for them. The Holy Father has also reassured that the Catholic Church will make every effort to support Syria’s recovery and renewal in every possible way.
Planned Schedule
Cardinal Gugerotti will be accompanied by Archbishop Michel Jalakh, Secretary of the Dicastery and member of the Antonian Maronite Order, along with his personal secretary, Father Emanuel Sabadakh, a Franciscan. Alongside Apostolic Nuncio Cardinal Mario Zenari, the Prefect will visit bishops, priests, religious men and women, and Catholic faithful.
In Damascus and Aleppo, he will meet with community leaders, clergy, and laypeople, as well as organizations involved in charitable initiatives of the local Churches. He will also participate in the Plenary Assembly of Catholic Bishops in Homs.
Holy Mass at the Memorial of Saint Paul
On January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul and the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Cardinal will preside over a Holy Mass at the Memorial of Saint Paul, built on the site traditionally believed to be where the Apostle’s life-changing event occurred.
The Cardinal will also venerate the relics of the Holy Martyrs of Damascus at the Latin Church and the Maronite Cathedral in Bab Touma. As at the beginning of his journey, Cardinal Gugerotti will conclude his visit in Beirut at the local Apostolic Nunciature. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
