Pope renews urgent appeal for ceasefire in Syria

Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Syria today (Wednesday). Addressing pilgrims in St Peter's Square for the General Audience, the Holy Father said: "I want to emphasize and reiterate my solidarity with all victims of inhuman conflict in Syria." Pope Francis went on to say, "It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging, with all my strength, those responsible, that steps be taken toward an immediate ceasefire, one imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under cruel bombardment."

Russian-led airstrikes resumed over the past 24 hours, concentrating on targets within the besieged city of Aleppo. At least 25 people are reported to have died, including children. The bombardments follow a temporary lull called by the Syrian government, in part to allow civilians to leave rebel-held areas in the east of the city.

During the audience Pope Francis reflected on the reading from Saint Matthew's Gospel in which the Lord tells us that we will be judged by the the mercy we show to others.

The official translation of the Pope's address follows:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters: During this Holy Year of Mercy, we have reflected on God's mercy, revealed especially in the incarnation of his Son, and on our duty, as followers of Jesus, to be "merciful like the Father". In Saint Matthew's Gospel, the Lord tells us that we will be judged by the mercy we show to him, present in the least of our brothers and sisters. His words have inspired the seven traditional "corporal" works of mercy - feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, healing the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead. The Church's tradition also adds seven "spiritual" works of mercy - counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offences, bearing patiently those who do us ill, and praying for the living and the dead. As expressions of living faith, these works are often carried out quietly and with simple gestures. Yet, as Saints like Mother Teresa of Calcutta show us, they reveal the merciful face of Christ and can change the culture around us. Let us keep them always in mind and strive to practice them daily."

Pope Francis also mentioned that yesterday was the feast of St John XXIII. He said: "Invoke his heavenly intercession, dear young people, to imitate the gentleness of his paternal love; pray to him in moments of the cross and in suffering, dear infirm, to face difficulties with courage.

Source Vatican Radio