Pope calls for end to Syria violence
February 13th, 2012 - 1:06 am ICT by IANSVatican City, Feb 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Pope Benedict XVI Sunday launched a fresh appeal to the Syrian authorities, urging them to address the demands of protesters and put an end to the months-long violence in the country.
“It’s urgent to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the different sections of the nation, as well as the auspices of the international community,” the Pope told the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square for the traditional Sunday noon prayer.
“I remember in prayer the victims, several of whom are children, the injured and all those who suffer the consequences of a increasingly worrying conflict,” the Pope said.
Benedict said he was again “inviting the political authorities in Syria to favour dialogue, reconciliation and a commitment to peace”.
Meanwhile, Syrian authorities continue shelling the city of Homs. At least 52 people were killed by security forces Friday, said opposition activists.
Human rights groups say more than 7,000 people have died since the nationwide uprising began in March last year. The government says around 2,000 members of its security forces have been killed in the unrest.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
pm/vd
- Russia calls for probe into Syrian massacre - May 30, 2012
- 11 killed in Syria - May 31, 2011
- Over 3,000 protesters rally in Syria - May 14, 2011
- Protests break out in Syrian towns after Friday prayers - May 21, 2011
- Russia urges Syria to call off troops - Apr 03, 2012
- Syrian President al-Assad signs draft constitution - Feb 28, 2012
- Syria vows to 'overcome protests' within two months - Jun 27, 2011
- US closes embassy in Syria - Feb 07, 2012
- Russia warns against hasty conclusions on Syria massacre - Jun 01, 2012
- Syria releases over 900 protesters - Dec 01, 2011
- Terrorist infiltration attempt foiled in Syria - Apr 28, 2012
- Anti-government gangs blamed for Syria massacre - Jun 01, 2012
- UAE participates 'Friends of Syria' conference - Feb 25, 2012
- Vatican launches own internet news portal - Jun 29, 2011
- European group calls for UNSC arms embargo on Syria - Apr 27, 2012
Tags: aspirations, auspices, benedict xvi, city feb, homs, human rights groups, noon prayer, opposition activists, political authorities, pope benedict, pope benedict xvi, protesters, ria novosti, security forces, st peter, sunday noon, syrian authorities, uprising, vatican city, vd