Father George Khawam Bolsi elected Melkite Greek Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Latakia, Tartus, and its Environs

VATICAN / LATAKIA, Syria — The Vatican announced Pope Francis’s approval of the election of Father George Khawam Bolsi as Melkite Greek Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Latakia, Tartus, and its Environs.

Father George, born in Holeb (Aleppo) in 1959, to parents Salim and Haifa. He joined the seminary in Harissa, Lebanon, and continued his high school studies there.

Father George holds a degree in French literature from Damascus University and another in philosophy and theology from St. Paul’s Institute.

Father George was appointed priest at the Association of Missionary Fathers in Holeb, served as vice-president of the Grand Seminary in Harissa, and was appointed General President of the Association of Missionary Fathers.

Father George has written numerous books and scientific articles. He acts as an academic adviser in the Bible and Christian tradition and speaks several languages including French, Italian, English, German, Spanish, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew.