Preservation of Christian heritage in the Middle East represents another significant sphere of the Foundation’s engagement. Recognizing its profound significance, Pro Oriente Christiano will strategically integrate initiatives within this domain with its activities in other interconnected areas, such as education and economic development, to maximize their collective impact.

Cultural heritage, encompassing both tangible and intangible forms, stands as an exceptional and enduring testament to the ancient and continuous presence of Christian communities in the Middle East. This invaluable patrimony faces significant threats, including the relentless passage of time, the devastating impact of violent conflicts destabilizing the region, and manifestations of hostility directed towards Christians. Furthermore, deliberate attempts to alter or erase historical memory, diminish the integral belonging of Christians to the Middle East, and undermine their vital role in the region’s history and culture pose a serious risk.

Indeed, the cultural heritage of the Christian East embodies a universal good. Its disappearance would constitute a profound tragedy for all of humanity. For the Christians of the Middle East, however, it would represent a catastrophe of immense proportions, bearing the semblance of cultural genocide, as it would deprive them of their very identity. For these communities, this heritage is vital, serving as the living memory of their collective existence and their most cherished inheritance. It has not only shaped their past but, by preserving and regenerating communal identity and a profound sense of belonging, empowers them to navigate the present and construct their future within the region.