"In the Middle East there are many difficult situations, but this is true especially in Syria and in recent weeks in Aleppo. You could say that last week was one of the worst weeks we have experienced in these five years of war,” says Fr Leon.
"The situation is very confusing, because there are many warring factions. It is a war where everybody is against everybody else and, unfortunately, civilians are in the middle."
As for the view that the media give to the conflict in Syria, Fr Leon says: "Unfortunately, in this, as in many other conflicts, the media provide information which suits the line chosen by governments and the media create public opinion on the basis of those lines." They leave out many important aspects of the conflict and emphasize only those that suit their goals.
He gives a recent example: "in the past three days several districts of Aleppo have been attacked, some with a predominantly Christian presence, but this is hardly mentioned. Only the hospital gets mentioned."
Regarding the situation of the Salesian community he says: "We Salesians are in the centre of Aleppo and thank God so far our facilities have not suffered serious damage."
Many churches and parishes of the city were destroyed and people gather and become part of the life of the Salesian Oratory. Many parishes or groups even use it as a venue for their special meetings. "A very significant example is that of young priests of different Christian rites that meet weekly in our house for formation and prayer, and to encourage each other and share their faith experiences in this context." Every four months the city's Christians meet at the Salesian House. Somehow all this has drawn the Salesians closer to the Christians who have remained in Aleppo.
On the experience of the Salesian community, Fr Leon adds. "In recent years we have suffered particularly on account of the loss of children and young people of our Oratory ... Today all the Christians who are dying are people we know ... and it is very difficult for us to minister in these extreme situations."
Finally, we asked Fr Leon about the future of the Salesian community in Aleppo: "As long as there are Christians we Salesians will stay with them, we are in no doubt. Our decision is a personal commitment that was freely taken by each confrere."
