Papal appeals for Syria, respect for human life from conception to natural death

February 08, 2016

Following his February 7 Angelus address, Pope Francis issued an appeal for Syria.

“I follow with deep concern the dramatic fate of civilian populations involved in heavy fighting in Syria and forced to leave everything behind to escape the horrors of war,” he said. “I hope that, with generous solidarity, they are lent the necessary help to ensure their survival and dignity, and I appeal to the international community to not save any effort to urgently bring to the negotiating table, the parties.”

“Only a political solution of the conflict will be able to guarantee a future of reconciliation and peace in that beloved and martyred country, for which I invite you to pray a lot,” the Pope continued.

Recalling that February 7 was the Day for Life in Italy, Pope Francis said, “I join the Italian bishops in wishing, on the part of various educational and social institutions, for a renewed commitment in favor of human life from conception to its natural end. Our society must be helped to heal from all attacks on life, daring an inner change, which is shown by the works of mercy.”

On the eve of the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, Pope Francis asked for renewed efforts to end modern-day slavery. He also requested prayers for his upcoming apostolic journey to Mexico and meeting with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.

 

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Further information:

• Angelus Domini 2016.02.07 (YouTube Vatican)
• Le parole del Papa alla recita dell’Angelus, 07.02.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
• ANGELUS ADDRESS: On Meeting God’s Tenderness (Zenit)