Pope appeals for peace in Syria and for protection of
minors
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis
on Sunday reiterated his plea for peace in Syria appealing to all parties
involved in the conflict to respect the cessation of hostilities and commit to
dialogue.
Speaking after the Regina
Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said he is deeply pained by the
dramatic news of the spiral of violence in Syria which, he said, “continues to
aggravate the already desperate humanitarian situation in the country”.
He referred in particular to
the situation in the city of Aleppo which continues to “claim innocent victims,
even amongst children, sick people and those who, at the cost of great
sacrifice, are bringing aid to those in need”.
And Francis had words of
encouragement for an Italian association that fights all forms of abuse against
minors: “This is a tragedy! We must not tolerate the abuse of minors! We must
defend minors and severely punish those who abuse them” he said, thanking the
“Associazione Meter” for its dedicated work.
And marking May 1st,
International Labour Day, the Pope also mentioned an International Conference
which opens on Monday in Rome on the theme: “Sustainable Development and the
most Vulnerable Forms of Work” which takes place within the context of the
Jubilee of Mercy.
“I hope – he said – that the
event will sensitize the authorities, political and economic institutions and
civil society in order to promote a model of development that will safeguard
human dignity within full respect for labour and environmental legislation”.
Pope Francis also had a special
greeting to “our brothers of the Eastern Churches who are celebrating
Easter.”
“May the risen Lord – he said
– bear his gifts of light and peace to all. Christos anesti!”
(Linda Bordoni)
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