Mons. Jacques (Julian Yacoub) MOURAD was born on June 28, 1968, in Aleppo, Syria. From an early age, he has been associated with the Syriac Catholic Church. He completed seminary formation in Lebanon (philosophy, theology), and then studies at Saint-Esprit University in Kaslik (liturgical theology). He entered the monastic community of Deir Mar Musa Al-Habashi, where he collaborated with Paolo Dall'Oglio. This community aimed to build bridges between Christianity and Islam through dialogue and brotherhood. In 1993, he took monastic vows and was ordained a priest for the archparchy of Homs, being incardinated into the archparchy of Homs.

For over a decade, he was associated with the Monastery of St. Elian in Al-Qaryatayn near Syrian Homs, where he was prior since 2000 and served as the local parish priest. He conducted pastoral, charitable, and social work, supporting refugees, providing water and electricity, helping with agriculture, and offering assistance regardless of faith. He was dedicated to the local community and inter-religious dialogue. In May 2015, he was abducted by ISIS, held captive for half a month, experiencing psychological and physical torture, threatened with death, and demanded to renounce his faith.

He himself repeatedly recalled that during this period, his strength came from prayer, especially the rosary, and monastic spirituality. He tried to save lives, especially Muslims whom he had previously helped. His release became a symbol of solidarity and goodness. After captivity, he stayed in monasteries in Cori, Italy, and Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. In 2020, he returned to Syria to serve as deputy prior in Al-Qaryatayn and manage economic affairs. His courage and deep faith, his conviction that Christians must not abandon Syria, were recognized. On January 7, 2023, the Synod of Bishops of the Syriac Catholic Church appointed him Archbishop of Homs, which was confirmed by Pope Francis. On March 3, 2023, he received episcopal consecration. As Archbishop of Homs, he is a shepherd and a moral and spiritual voice for Syria, advocating for humanitarian aid, opposing persecution and injustice, emphasizing cooperation among all communities living in the country.

Mons. Jacques MOURAD speaks several languages, including Arabic, Syriac, French, English, and Italian. He is admired for his empathy, humility, and ability to connect people. In his public statements, he emphasizes that Christians in Syria are not just victims of war but part of a broader society together with Muslims, Alawites, and followers of other traditions. He believes that dialogue and cooperation are necessities for Syria's future. His journey from a priest serving the residents of Al-Qaryatayn, through abduction by ISIS and subsequent release, to becoming Archbishop of Homs, makes him a highly symbolic figure for the Church in the Middle East. He is a witness to courage, fidelity to faith, and the Church's mission to the suffering. For many Christians and Muslims in Syria, he represents hope for reconciliation and collective rebuilding of social life.