A delegation composed of representatives from the Vatican is on an official visit to Northern and Eastern Syria.

The delegation engaged with institutions of the Autonomous Administration, received information about the region’s democratic system, and observed the culture of coexistence among its communities on the ground.

Three female clergy members were included in the delegation

The delegation included Sister Theresa Elias Kanakri (Syrian), spokesperson for the Franciscan Mariamite Sisters, Sister Nadia Amin Ghali (Egyptian), and Sister Mary Habib Keyrouz (Lebanese).

They were accompanied by Armin Mardo, spokesperson for the Council of Christian Churches in Aleppo, and Karakious Klayjian, representative of the Christian Religious Council in Raqqa.

Institutional visits

The delegation visited the Department of Foreign Relations of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, where they were received by Co-Chairs Ilham Ahmed and Fanar Gait, along with their deputies Gulistan Ali and Robel Beho. The meeting was held behind closed doors, and both sides exchanged gifts as a gesture of mutual respect.

Visit to the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative"

The Vatican delegation later visited the headquarters of the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative" and the "Lawyers’ Initiative for the Defense of Abdullah Öcalan." During the visit, emphasis was placed on Mr. Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society, and it was stressed that the Turkish state has failed to respond to these calls.

Spokespersons of the initiatives stated that Mr. Öcalan’s ideas have united various segments of society, especially women, and have played a significant role in the democratic achievements across the region. At the end of the meeting, the delegation was presented with Mr. Öcalan’s five-volume work titled The Manifesto of Democratic Civilization.

Visits to continue

As part of the Vatican delegation’s visit program, meetings have been scheduled today with the Religious Council of North and East Syria and the Office of Diplomatic Relations. Tomorrow, the delegation will hold talks with the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD), the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the Syriac Union Party.