Q: Who is Archbishop Julian Yacoub Mourad and why is he in the news?
A: Archbishop Julian Yacoub Mourad, originally from Syria and now leading the Archdiocese of Homs, is the recipient of the 2025 John Paul II Award. He is recognized for his immense courage, unwavering faith, and resilience, especially after surviving captivity by ISIS.
Q: What does the John Paul II Award mean to Archbishop Mourad and his community?
A: For Archbishop Mourad, the award is a deep encouragement that validates his work in dialogue and social responsibility. He believes it motivates Syrian Christians to continue their mission of proclaiming Christ’s love and respecting others, fostering essential interfaith dialogue.
Q: What is the biggest challenge for Christian-Muslim dialogue in the Middle East, according to the Archbishop?
A: The most significant challenge is the reluctance of some official Muslim authorities, such as muftis and sheikhs, to engage in dialogue with other societal components. They often consider Sunnis as the “true and only religion” of the state, viewing others as mere guests.
Q: How did his ISIS captivity experience impact his spiritual outlook?
A: During his five-month captivity, a pivotal moment occurred when a leader told him to consider his imprisonment as a “spiritual retreat.” This statement brought him profound inner peace, transforming his tiny prison bathroom into a personal hermitage and deeply shaping his future mission.
Faith and Struggle in the Middle East
