The Syrian Arab Civilization
"While visiting Syria you are treading the land of history, the HOMEland which hosted the most ancient civilizations in the world, and was a beacon which spread its light towards humanity throughout many centuries during which most regions of the world obtained guidance from its light. From Syria, which protect Christianity after Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul proceeded, preaching, with the other Disciples of Christ, the new religion in various parts of the world and calling for fraternity, justice and equality."
From HE’s Welcome Speech welcoming His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on his arrival in Damascus, May 5th, 2001
"From Syria as well Islam spread throughout the world advocating justice, love and equality among human beings with no distinction between one and another except by God fearing. Today, Your Holiness arrive as a dear guest among a people all of them worship the only God, solicit the help of Almighty, live together in amity and harmony, work for the high standing and prosperity of their HOMEland, and are proud of their ancient past and of the several civilizations of their ancestors which left for them a rich historic heritage that made of Syria a HOMEland of tolerance and love and sanctuary for the persecuted as well as a meeting point of heavenly religions that have spread incessantly throughout history. This is confirmed by the many relics of worship houses in various parts of Syria, the pontification of eight Popes from Syria to the Holy See in the Vatican, and the Presence of the Headquarters of three Oriental Patriarchates in Damascus. "
From HE’s Welcome Speech welcoming His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on his arrival in Damascus, May 5th, 2001
"So I said to the Pope that your pilgrimage was not completed until you visited Damascus because Christianity, although it appeared in Palestine, we protected and then went to the world from Damascus. But he said to me Syria was part of the Roman Empire. I said to him it is the contrary because we gave the Roman Empire eight Popes and five emperors."
From HE’s Interview with the Italian Corriere Della Sera
"We have a very common history. You know Caracalla path in Rome! Caracalla was one of the Syrian Emperors."
From HE’s Interview with the Italian Corriere Della Sera