The Franciscan Superiors in the Holy Land, also known as The Custody of the Holy Land, denied reports that three Franciscan friars were killed in Syria in the last 48 hours.
“The Custody keeps itself as informed as circumstances allow of the events in Syria and of the news of its friars who are still present there. Having received news today, Friday the 28th of June, at noon it vigorously denies these stories,” a communique from the Franciscan friars stated.
Escalating violence against Christians have been an increasing worry in the region. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that a Franciscan monk from Syria, Fr. Francois Mourad, was murdered by Muslim extremists during an assault at the Franciscan monastery of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghassanieh, located near the border of Turkey.
The Custody of the Holy Land, however, urged Christians all over the world to prayer and “asks that all the decision makers work together toward a complete cease fire.”
