Paris -- Over the past few days, the French capital, Paris, has witnessed visits by the patriarchs of the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholic Churches aimed at mobilizing French, European, and international support for Christians in Syria and the Middle East. The efforts come amid ongoing regional tensions that are negatively impacting the historic Christian presence and accelerating migration from the region.

At the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, met with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in the presence of several bishops. The meeting focused on the current situation in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the historic Christian presence and France's traditional role in supporting churches and Christians across the region. Mor Aphrem and the accompanying delegation of bishops also toured the Luxembourg Palace.

In the same context, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan, held an extensive meeting on 11 May 2026, at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs with Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, head of the Religious Affairs Office and adviser on religious affairs. The French side expressed concern over the worsening security and political situation across Middle Eastern countries, while Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan stressed the need to translate international positions into practical steps that guarantee the rights of all citizens, particularly Christians, within the framework of full citizenship.

The patriarch also called for intensified international efforts to end conflicts and wars in a manner that ensures Christians remain rooted in their historic homelands, emphasizing that their presence in the region is facing existential challenges.

On the same day, the two Syriac patriarchs participated in a reception held at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs to mark the 170th anniversary of the founding of Oeuvre d'Orient, attended by a number of bishops, priests, monks, nuns, and official figures from France and various churches across the Middle East.

The ecclesiastical and political delegations were received by Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, representing French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

The Ministry's Secretary-General delivered a speech on the occasion, highlighting the distinctive role and mission of Oeuvre d'Orient. Patriarch Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan then addressed the gathering, thanking the organization for its service and support to the Christians of the East.

The closing remarks were delivered by Monsignor Huges de Woillemont, Director General of Oeuvre d'Orient and Deputy for Eastern Catholics in France, who thanked all participants attending the event. He expressed pride in the organization's work and in those who successively led it, including Monsignor Pascal Gollnisch, while reaffirming the continuation of its mission in supporting Eastern Christians.

The Patriarch also renewed his gratitude to the organization and its officials for their considerable efforts in supporting the Christian presence in the East, with the aim of enabling Christians to continue bearing witness to the Lord Jesus despite the current difficult circumstances.

The Paris meetings reflect the continuing ecclesiastical and diplomatic efforts aimed at consolidating the presence of Christians in the Middle East, amid growing calls for a more effective international role in protecting diversity and stability in the region and safeguarding the Christian presence in its historic homeland.