March 15th is widely used as a date to mark the beginning of the war, which erupted in 2011 when demonstrations against the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad began in cities across the country.

A statement from the Press office of the Holy See said the Pope spent "a long time" with Mr. Kurdi, listening to him as he spoke -- through an interpreter -- of his pain at the loss of his family.

Patriarch Younan and other Catholic leaders said Donald Trump's decision was hasty

During his Angelus address, Francis also requested prayers ahead of his visit to Mexico

Patriarch Younan says the West have abandoned Christians in Syria

Some 185 remain prisoners of the terrorists, according to news agency

Christians in the Middle East feel frustration at Britain's foreign policy

Aleppo archbishop says Christians in the country feel hope thanks to Putin's involvement