During the Angelus, Pope Francis once again made a strong appeal for peace, after the failure in Geneva in recent talks to end the war in Syria.
POPE FRANCIS
'I follow with deep concern the dramatic fate of civilian populations involved in heavy fighting in Syria and are forced to leave everything behind to escape the horrors of war. 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.â?
The Pope, once again, called for a negotiated solution to the conflict and invited the pilgrims in the square to join in prayer 'for beloved Syria.â?
POPE FRANCIS
'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. And also now, letâ??s pray together to Blessed Mary, for beloved Syria.â?
Pope Francis also recalled that today is the Jubilee for the victims of trafficking. He said that all people have the ability to help those who are subjected to this modern form of slavery.
POPE FRANCIS
'This day offers everyone the opportunity to help the new slaves today to break the heavy chains of exploitation, to regain their freedom and dignity. I think in particular of so many women and men, and so many children! We must make every effort to vanquish this crime, and this unbearable shame.â?
The Pope is very committed to the fight against these situations of exploitation and abuse, an issue that he will likely face during his trip to Mexico.
AC/YA
CTV
-JM
-BN
Up:YA
