Pope appeals for immediate cessation of violence in Syria

Pope appeals for immediate cessation of violence in Syria

Smoke billows from the besieged Eastern Ghouta in Syria.- AFP

Pope Francis makes a heartfelt appeal for Syria during the Sunday Angelus, calling for an immediate cessation of violence so that people can be evacuated and given access to aid.

Pope Francis, following the recitation of the Angelus prayer from St Peter’s Square on Sunday appealed for what he called the “the beloved and tormented Syria.” The Pope said his thoughts were focused on the country “where the war has intensified, especially in eastern Ghouta. “

He highlighted the fact that this month of February was one of the most violent in seven years of conflict, adding that there had been thousands of civilian victims, including children, women, and the elderly.

The Pontiff went on to say that  hospitals had been hit and people could not get food . “ All of this is inhumane.”, the Pope stressed,  “one cannot fight evil with another evil,” he said.

Pope Francis then made a heartfelt appeal for the immediate cessation of violence in the country so that people could get access to humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine , and the wounded and sick could be evacuated.

“We pray to God, he said,  that this happens without delay.”

www.vaticannews.va