Syrian Bishop Says 30,000 Christians Have Fled Aleppo
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
The Chaldean Catholic bishop of Aleppo, Antoine Audo, said on Thursday that up to 30,000 Christians have fled the Syrian city and spoke of his concern about two priests kidnapped weeks ago.
Audo, who was in Rome as a representative of the Caritas-Syria charity for a meeting of regional humanitarian organizations, told Agence France Presse that the situation in the war-ravaged city was "painful".
"I do my work from Damascus. I am in contact with my vicar, my priests, my friends and my relatives. The closure of Aleppo airport and the dangerous road have prevented my return," he said.
"I have been advised not to travel there despite my strong desire to be with my people," he said.
"A month and 10 days ago in Aleppo, two young priests were kidnapped. Ransoms of 15 million Syrian pounds, or around $150,000 (116,000 euros), have been demanded," he said.
Audo said between 20,000 and 30,000 Christians out of a Christian minority of 160,000 have fled.
"I am sure (Pope Francis) will do everything he can to help us," he said.
22 March 2013, 06:08
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ask gabby14 and the other shmucks who tell us that the rebels or jihadists are better than Assad.
At least Assad treated the minority with dignity, unlike these clowns
22 March 2013, 08:32
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i see that people still argue here... when will you guys wake up and connect the dots? you keep taking sides (opposition or regime) when will you see that they are both as bad as each other? what is happening to islam now, i.e muslim brotherhood, Hezballah and Shia extremism in Iran and all related parties are unavoidable and although they hurt everyone, they hurt islam the most... also, we christians went through the same thing 1300 years after our religion started (dark ages and inquisition) and now after 1300 of islam start, it is their turn... God help us and them... God help us all
