Syriac Catholic Priest Attacked

Syriac Catholics. Source: The Catholic Weekly

HOMS — On September 4, 2025, Archpriest Michel Naaman of the Syriac Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Homs, Syria, was attacked while returning home. Two masked assailants beat the priest, threatened him at gunpoint, and stole his gold cross and cash. He sustained injuries but survived the ordeal.

The incident reflects a broader wave of insecurity affecting Christian communities across Syria. Syria has seen a rise in robberies, kidnappings, and attacks on religious sites since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a veteran jihadist and former member of al-Qaeda.

The attack on Naaman has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by religious figures and their communities. Local authorities have not yet identified the attackers, and concerns over the safety of religious minorities persist. The incident underscores the need for stronger protections in a region where lawlessness continues to threaten vulnerable populations.

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