In a conversation with Vatican Insider, the Patriarch denounced what he called “the market for collective migration,” expressing his regret over the “concealed agendas of agencies and societies to encourage Christians to depart their countries.” Declarations that call for them to leave Iraq, he said, are “irresponsible,” even if they are made with good intentions.
He said, “These declarations circulate through Syria, as well, which is falling apart in front of our eyes. There’s an outpour of people from these two countries, and most of whom are women and children, to Europe through Turkey, which is regarded as a large reservoir of refugees.”
“I can confirm, too, that it is not just displaced persons who are departing,” he added. “Many migrants are well-to-do, according to the priests, and they have good sources of income, as bank employees, for example. They have no causes for their voyage, but they take advantage of the favorable opportunity in front of them, before the doors are closed in their faces.”
This reasoning reverberates throughout Syria. The Vatican Ambassador to Damascus Monseigneur Mario Zainary has commented on it, too, saying, “When four or five people get together for coffee, they talk about ways to leave Syria. It applies to Christians as much as to Muslims. It is tragic, and it points to the loss of hope for a better future for Syria.”
It is tragic; too, that so many of those leaving are young and energetic. Most of the refugees who arrive in Europe are between 20 and 40 years old.
“It is truly a tragedy that we are watching a nation being deprived of its youth, and with it, its future,” the ambassador regretted. “The social fabric is torn apart and no one can help repair it except for the young, educated elite.”
“Can we watch this unfold, remaining idly, without any care that, someday, history will curse us for not having helped a nation in peril?” he asked.