New Conference in Syria Recognized by the Local Government

The Latakia Conference was presented to civil and religious authorities,
as well as to the local community.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, an important event took place in Latakia, Syria: the official presentation ceremony of the Vincentian Conference of Latakia to civil and religious authorities and to the local community.

The SSVP was established in Latakia in September 2024 and is now fully operational. The new conference has received constant support from the Territorial Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Tamer Chemaly, who visited Latakia accompanied by several Vincentians from Lebanon and conducted the first training session for new members.

After its initial months of service to those most in need, the conference received formal recognition from the local government, which is required to carry out charitable activities in the country. This recognition was formalized during yesterday’s event.

Present at the launch of the new SSVP conference were the Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari; Monsignor Hanna Jallouf, Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo and spiritual leader of Latin Catholics in Syria; and the Syrian government’s Minister of Social Affairs. Representatives from the Conferences of Aleppo and Damascus also attended.

The CGI was invited to participate in the event; however, being unable to send a representative, it sent a message from the President General International, which was read during the ceremony. You can read the invitation received by the CGI and the message from the President General to the Latakia Conference here.