Christian youth are fleeing Syria in droves according to a local priest in the country.
In a report by Fides News Agency, Fr. Yousef Abdulmasih, a Syrian Orthodox priest in the province of Jazira, said that individuals and families who leave are taking with them the hope and future of the Syrian nations.
“The exodus from the city is in full swing,” he said. “Our town will become a city of old people.”
The Syrian priest’s sentiments echo the concerns expressed several times by Pope Francis, particularly yesterday during his address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.
“The exodus of Christians from the Middle East and North Africa continues to be a source of concern,” the Holy Father said yesterday. “They want to continue to be a part of the social, political and cultural life of countries which they helped to build, and they desire to contribute to the common good of societies where they wish to be fully accepted as agents of peace and reconciliation.”
The civil war, however, has proven too difficult for many, causing them to escape the escalating violence in Syria.
“Many look at the Church as the only way of salvation able to solve the problems suffered by the people,” Fr. Abdulmasih said. “Some wait. Others criticize. Some make accusations and malicious attacks. Everyone wants this suffering to end.”
