CWN - The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a statement lamenting the abduction of the Greek Orthodox and Syriac Orthodox archbishops of Aleppo.

“The kidnappings of two archbishops in Syria and the murder of their driver continue to weigh heavily on the hearts of people of good will,” said Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. “We join with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in ‘praying that they may return to their communities soon.’”

“The kidnapping of two men of peace is a sign of the terrible violence that is destroying the fabric of Syrian society,” Cardinal Dolan added. “We will continue to work through all channels with the Holy See, the diplomatic and international community and all agencies of good will. I plead for their release and for a political solution that ends the violence and protects the citizenship rights of all Syrians, including minorities.”