The Pope has accepted the resignation presented by Cardinal Mario Zenari from the position of apostolic nuncio in Syria, upon reaching the age limits for the exercise of the role, putting an end to one of the longest and most complex diplomatic missions of the Holy See in the context of a nation marked by war, humanitarian crisis, and pastoral challenges.
Cardinal Mario Zenari, born in Rosegaferro (Italy), has been the Pope’s personal representative in Syria for nearly two decades, stationed in Damascus since 2008. His diplomatic and pastoral work in a country ravaged by a war that has already exceeded ten years has been widely highlighted for its steadfastness, closeness to the population, and defense of local Christian communities.
A nuncio in the midst of conflict
Zenari’s presence in Syria coincided with the outbreak and prolongation of the armed conflict that has devastated large areas of the country. In numerous public interventions, the cardinal has denounced the humanitarian consequences of the war, the hardships of the population, and the need to maintain hope despite the suffering.
Throughout his mission, according to Vatican News, Zenari was considered a stable point of reference, both for the Catholic community in Syria and for international organizations present on the ground, amid crises of displacement, violence, and extreme poverty.
The figure of the nuncio and his legacy
The resignation due to age marks the closure of a particular diplomatic and pastoral cycle. Cardinal Zenari had already previously submitted his resignation upon turning 75, the usual age for presenting resignation in the Church, but the Pope had extended it, entrusting him to continue in his post precisely because of the delicacy of the situation in Syria. Over time, and after recently turning 80, the resignation has become effective in accordance with ecclesiastical norms.
Read also: Who is Mario Zenari?
The extension of his stay in Damascus and his appointment as cardinal while serving as nuncio were interpreted by various observers as a sign of the importance that Rome attached to his presence in a country at war and to diplomacy of closeness amid the suffering of the population.
A time of diplomatic transition
Cardinal Zenari’s resignation now opens a period of transition in the pontifical representation in Syria. The appointment of his successor will correspond to the Pope, who will have to consider both the geopolitical circumstances and the pastoral needs of a local Church that has deeply suffered the effects of the conflict.