Bishop fears attacks on Christians in Aleppo

The Chaldean Catholic bishop of Aleppo—Syria’s largest city—says fear is widespread that Christians there will be attacked.

“If they come in around our churches and round our bishopric, just as they did in Homs, it will be disastrous for us,” said Bishop Antoine Audo, SJ.

120,000 Christians fled Homs, the nation’s third-largest city, following attacks by rebel factions during the spring.

“If they went into the Christian areas, it would be very bad,” Bishop Audo added. “The fear of Christians is particularly strong. We are a minority. Always we are threatened.”

“What can we do to protect the people? We do not have any possibility to do that.”

“When I am asked which side do I support, I always answer, ‘I am on the side of my country,’” he continued. “I am doing whatever I can to save Syria, this lovely country of ours.”

“What we need is your prayers for all of us. This is a very dangerous time. People are very fearful.”

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=15035