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The Middle East province of the Society of Jesus, together with the Italian Province, expresses its profound grief due to the impossibility of establishing any contact with Fr. Paolo Dall’Oglio for several days. They would like to thank all those who worry about his fate, as well as the jurisdictions and authorities who are doing their best to find him. They eagerly hope that this ordeal will come to an end soon, so that Fr. Paolo can be reunited with his companions as soon as possible.
The Society of Jesus also expresses its deep concern regarding the fate of Fr. Frans van der Lugt and the persons he is living with, in the Jesuit residence in Boustan Diwan, in the old centre of the city of Homs. They express their desire that no effort be spared to protect his life as well as that of all his companions.
With the continuing tragedy in Syria, the Society of Jesus in the Middle East reiterates its solidarity with the suffering of all the people of Syria. It commits itself to pursuing humanitarian action among all and renews its determination to work in favor of peace and reconciliation in Syria.
Beirut, August 4, 2013
Very Rev. Victor Assouad, SJ
Provincial, Middle East Province
