In Rome, winter has arrived and the General Audiences have been moved to the Paul VI Audience hall. Pope Francis usually enters with a cane, but this time he arrived by wheelchair.
The pontiff still has a visible bruise on his chin after falling on his bedside table. Although he appeared tired, this did not stop him from greeting pilgrims and delivering his weekly catechesis.
The Pope also expressed his concern for Syria, which is currently at a critical point of uncertainty, after more than a decade of civil war.
POPE FRANCIS
I am following what is happening in Syria at this delicate time in its history. I hope that a political solution will be reached that, without further conflict and division, will responsibly promote the stability and unity of the country. I pray through the intercession of the Virgin Mary that the Syrian people may live in peace and security in their beloved land.
A few months after his election in 2013, Pope Francis called for a day of prayer and fasting for Syria. During his pontificate, he has consistently called for peace for the country.
SR
