For the second consecutive day, the pope denounces the lack of interest to bring peace to Syria. The pope has applauded the efforts of the UN Envoy in Syria and pointed out the 'hidden interests' who insist on feeding the violence.
POPE FRANCIS
'We must note with great sadness that since our last meeting a year ago, despite extensive efforts made in a variety of areas, the logic of arms and oppression, hidden interests and violence continues to wreak devastation on these countries and that, even now, we have not been able to put an end to the exasperating suffering and repeated violations of human rights.'
In the last week alone, the Aleppo bombings have claimed the lives of 99 children, and injured over 200 people. The pope recalled the recent attack on a United Nations humanitarian convoy, in a country that only has contaminated water. ;
POPE FRANCIS
'Beyond the necessary humanitarian aid, what our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq want more than anything else today is peace. And so I will never tire of asking the international community for greater and renewed efforts to achieve peace throughout the Middle East, and of asking not to look the other way.'
The pope asked those with political responsibilities involved in the conflict to 'give up partial goods to achieve a greater good: peace.'
He is most likely referring to the two main parties in the war, the forces of al-Asad and the rebel group al-Nusra; but he is also pressuring the U.S. and Russia who could force an end to the war.
Pope Francis thanked Staffan de Mistura, UN Special Envoy for Syria, and asked him to continue with his mission with 'patience and perseverance.'
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