Syrian Catholic Archbishop Jacques Mourad has issued a stark warning about the fate of Aleppo’s Christian community, expressing grave concerns over the ancient city’s future as Islamic extremist groups seize control. The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has left the city vulnerable to destruction and persecution.

In an interview with Agenzia Fides, Archbishop Mourad described the immense suffering of refugees fleeing the violence in Aleppo. “We are really tired,” he said. “We are really exhausted, and we are also finished, in every sense.” Mourad, who was kidnapped by ISIS in 2015 and held captive for months, has witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed against Christians.

Aleppo, once a vibrant hub of Christianity, is now a shadow of its former self. Before the Syrian conflict began, Christians made up 12% of the city’s population. Today, that number has dwindled to less than 2%, with many fleeing to Homs, where Mourad’s diocese struggles to provide food and shelter for refugees.

The Archbishop questioned why Aleppo has been subjected to such relentless destruction, calling it a “historic, symbolic, and important city for the whole world.” He lamented the world’s indifference to the plight of Christians in the region, asking, “Why are we so abandoned in this unbearable injustice?”

The loss of Aleppo’s Christian community reflects a broader pattern of devastation in the region. Once a cradle of Christianity, Aleppo was home to rich cultural treasures, including ancient churches, vibrant artisanal crafts, and the famed Aleppo soap industry. These cultural legacies are now at risk of being erased.

Archbishop Mourad’s plea highlights the urgent need for international attention and support. As refugees flee the horrors of war, the dwindling Christian population faces an uncertain future. The world must act to preserve one of the most significant pillars of Christianity in the Middle East.