Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart passed away suddenly at the age of 83 on Saturday, 9 May, during a trip to France. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) heard of the death of its long-time project partner with great sadness. Regina Lynch, the foundation’s executive president, was present at the Mass in Notre Dame where he concelebrated on that very day during an event for Œuvre d’Orient.
The legacy of Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart
Born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1943, Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart was the sixth of 12 children in a devout Melkite Catholic family. He first entered the seminary at age 11, and after a brief period continuing his studies in Aleppo, he returned at age 19 and was ordained in 1968. From the beginning of his ministry, he felt a special calling to work with youth, a mission he sustained until his final years.
He led the Melkite Archeparchy of Aleppo from 1995 until his retirement in 2021. He actively worked to improve the material and spiritual lives of his flock, believing this was key to helping Christians remain in their homeland. He also invested heavily in ecumenical relations, partnering with the Greek Orthodox Church to build the Church of Unity.
A tireless advocate during the war
Throughout the Syrian civil war, Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart became a prominent advocate for the survival of Christianity in the country, warning against the disappearance of ancient Middle Eastern communities. He famously refused to leave Aleppo despite the constant danger. In 2016, following a missile strike on a church building, he highlighted the providential protection the community received:
“This terrible and infernal war, would have utterly destroyed us or driven us to despair and madness, had it not been for His tender care. Without his providential protection, the ceaseless bombardments we are suffering would have annihilated us a long time ago”.
Regina Lynch expressed her hope that the archbishop will now intercede for Christ’s peace to bless Syria and the wider Middle East, noting that he did not live to see full stability return to his country.
