On July 1, Pope Francis appointed Father Hanna Jallouf as Vicar Apostolic of Aleppo. A Vicariate whose jurisdiction extends over the Latin-rite Catholic faithful throughout Syria. And it is from Syria that Father Jallouf tells us the reaction to his appointment. Br HANNA JALLOUF,ofm Priest of Knaye (Syria) I was not expecting something like this, because I am working a very hot, poor area but the Lord has called me to serve a whole diocese, and I really thank Him because He made carry this new cross. Br HANNA JALLOUF,ofm Priest of Knaye (Syria) After many years, centuries, for the first time a Latin Syrian bishop is appointed to carry on the Apostolic Vicariate in Syria. I have many things to do but above all to witness before the whole world that the Christian root is born and reborn, flourishes where our faithful for the first time were called Christians So many challenges to be faced. Br HANNA JALLOUF,ofm Priest of Knaye (Syria) First of all, it was not possible to accompany the spiritual life of so many people or even their normal life. People are suffering from lack of food, lack of everything...but hopefully we can do something about that. A joy, but also a lot of sadness in the hearts of his parishioners. Br HANNA JALLOUF,ofm Priest of Knaye (Syria) A joy because the Lord has called me to a greater joy, it is a glory that their pastor has been chosen by the Holy Father to serve the whole Latin Church in Syria. On the other hand it is a sorrow for them because I am leaving the parish, as a father leaves his children. There are so many widows, the little ones, who have been crying since they got the news. I leave a piece of my heart there. Read More