Papal appeal to Assad for peace in Syria
December 12, 2016
Pope Francis has appealed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for “an end to the violence and the peaceful resolution of hostilities” in that country.
The personal message from the Pontiff was delivered to Assad by Cardinal Mario Zenari, the apostolic nuncio in Syria, who recently returned from Rome after his elevation to the College of Cardinals. The Vatican press office, announcing the papal appeal, drew attention to the honor accorded to Cardinal Zenari, through which “the the Holy Father sought to show a particular sign of affection for the beloved Syrian people, so sorely tried in recent years.”
In the message the Pope repeated his frequent condemnation of terrorism and extremism, “from whatever quarter they may come,” and urged Assad to uphold international law regarding protection of civilians, and access to humanitarian aid.
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