Mons. Jacques (Julian Yacoub) MOURAD was born on June 28, 1968, in Aleppo, Syria. From an early age, he was connected with the Syriac Catholic Church, and after completing high school, he began his seminary formation in Charfet, Lebanon, where he studied philosophy and theology. He continued his studies at the Saint-Esprit University in Kaslik, obtaining a licentiate in liturgical theology. A significant moment in his vocational journey was joining the monastic community of Deir Mar Musa Al-Abashi, which he co-founded together with the Italian Jesuit Paolo Dall’Oglio. This community, also known as Mar Moussa, is dedicated to building bridges between Christianity and Islam, fostering dialogue between religions and cultures, and living in a spirit of fraternity. Jacques MOURAD made his monastic profession in 1993, and in August of the same year, he was ordained a priest, becoming incardinated into the Archeparchy of Homs.

For many years of his ministry, he was associated with the Monastery of St. Elian in Al-Qaryatayn, near Homs, where from 2000 he served as prior as well as parish priest of the local community. His pastoral work included not only the administration of the sacraments but also extensive charitable and social activities. He supported refugees and victims of war, organized the supply of water and electricity, assisted in cultivating the land, and offered help regardless of faith or religious tradition. During this time, he became known as a priest entirely dedicated to the local community and faithful to the mission of Christian-Muslim dialogue, convinced that Syria’s future depends on the cooperation of all its inhabitants, regardless of religion or denomination. In May 2015, fighters of the so-called Islamic State abducted him from the monastery of Mar Elian. For five months, he was imprisoned and subjected to psychological and physical torture. He was repeatedly threatened with death and pressured to renounce his faith. He often recalled that during this period, his strength came from prayer, especially the rosary, and from the spirituality rooted in the monastic tradition. He managed to survive thanks to the help of others, particularly Muslims whom he had previously supported. His release became a symbol that solidarity and goodness, even in the darkest trials, can become a source of salvation.

After his captivity, Jacques MOURAD spent some time living in the monasteries of the community of the Holy Savior in Cori, Italy, and in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. In 2020, he returned to Syria, where he assumed the role of deputy superior of the community in Al-Qaryatayn and was responsible for economic affairs. He distinguished himself by courage and a deep conviction that Christians must not abandon Syria despite the difficulties, sufferings, and destruction caused by the war. On January 7, 2023, the Synod of Bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church elected him Archbishop of Homs, and Pope Francis confirmed the nomination. He received episcopal ordination on March 3, 2023. As Archbishop of Homs, he not only carries out pastoral ministry but has also become a moral and spiritual voice for all of Syria. He regularly advocates for access to humanitarian aid, denounces all forms of persecution and injustice, and emphasizes the necessity of cooperation among all communities living in the country.

Mons. Jacques MOURAD speaks several languages, including Arabic, Syriac, French, English, and Italian. He is highly regarded for his empathy, humility, and ability to bring people together. In his public speeches, he reminds that Christians in Syria are not merely victims of war but part of a wider society where Muslims, Alawites, and followers of many traditions also live. He stresses that dialogue and cooperation are not a luxury but a necessity if Syria is to have a future. His story— from being a priest serving the people of Al-Qaryatayn, through his abduction and imprisonment by ISIS, to becoming the Archbishop of Homs—makes him one of the most symbolic figures of the Church in the Middle East. He is a witness of courage, fidelity to the faith, and the mission of a Church that remains close to the suffering. For many Christians and Muslims in Syria, he has become a sign of hope that even in times of the greatest crisis, reconciliation and the rebuilding of social life together are possible.