Syria: Pope Francis calls for a political solution

At the end of the General Audience this Wednesday, Pope Francis expressed his concern about the situation in Syria, stating that he is closely following the events “at this very delicate moment in its history.”

“I hope that a political solution is reached that, without further conflicts or divisions, responsibly promotes the stability and unity of the country,” said the Holy Father from the Paul VI Hall of the Vatican.

The civil war that has shaken Syria for more than 13 years intensified at the end of November with new attacks led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which caused the fall of President Bashar al-Assad after 24 years in power. can.

Pope Francis warned about this escalation of violence during the Angelus on December 1, urging the faithful around the world to pray for the country.

Faced with this uncertain panorama, which threatens to intensify the persecution of Christians, the Holy Father renewed this Wednesday his commitment to pray “so that the Syrian people can live in peace and security in their beloved land.”

He also expressed his hope that “the different religions can walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of that nation, afflicted by so many years of war.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, also referred to this situation during an event at the Catholic University of Milan on Monday, December 10.

The Vatican authority hoped that “a future of respect for all” will be outlined in Syria, although he specified that it is still “too early to anticipate.”

As is customary during the General Audience, Pope Francis also asked to pray this Wednesday for the “martyred” Ukraine, “which is suffering so much from the war.”

“And I think of Palestine, Israel and Myanmar. May peace return, may peace be made. War is always a defeat. Let us pray for peace,” concluded the Holy Father.