Pope Francis on March 14, 2021, renewed his appeal for the end to the decade of Syrian war.
The Holy Father’s appeal came after praying the noonday Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and joined by streaming media around the world.
Read Pope’s full commentary here.
“Ten years ago, the bloody conflict in Syria began, leading to one of the most serious humanitarian catastrophes of our time: an untold number of dead and wounded, millions of refugees, thousands missing, destruction, violence of all kinds, and immense suffering for the entire population, especially the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly,” Pope Francis said. “I renew my heartfelt appeal to the parties to the conflict to show signs of goodwill, so that a glimmer of hope may open up for the exhausted population. I also hope for a decisive and renewed commitment, constructive and in solidarity, on the part of the international community, so that, once the weapons have been laid down, the social fabric can be mended and reconstruction and economic recovery can begin. Let us all pray to the Lord that the great suffering in our beloved and tormented Syria may not be forgotten and that our solidarity might revive hope. Let us pray together for our beloved and tormented Syria. Hail Mary…”
Today’s appeal of the Holy Father renewed his words regarding Syria and the Middle East pronounced during the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Blessing presented by Pope Francis on Friday, December 25, 2020, in the Benediction Hall of the Vatican:
“On this day, when the word of God became a child, let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war. May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace.
“May this be a favorable time to ease tensions throughout the Middle East and in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“May the Infant Jesus heal the wounds of the beloved Syrian people, who for a decade have been devastated by war and its consequences, now aggravated by the pandemic. May he bring comfort to the Iraqi people and to all those involved in the work of reconciliation, and particularly to the Yazidis, sorely tried by these last years of war. May he bring peace to Libya and enable the new phase of the negotiations in the course to end all forms of hostility in the country.”
