Pope prays for peace in Central America, flood victims in India

Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Syria, calling on the international community to realize in concrete action and genuine fact the endorsement of a UN-sponsored roadmap toward peace in the war-torn nation. Addressing pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis said: "It is important to me that we turn our thoughts once again today to our beloved Syria, to express deep appreciation for the agreement just reached by the international community... I encourage everyone to continue, with a generous spirit of confident willingness, toward cessation of violence and a negotiated settlement leading to peace."

Pope Francis also expressed hope for the success of a recently reached plan for a national unity government in Libya. "I likewise think of nearby Libya, where the recent working agreement among the parties for a government of national unity invites hope for the future."

The Pope went on to speak about efforts to repair strained relations between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which last week received a ruling from the International Court of Justice on a long-standing territorial dispute. "I hope that a renewed spirit of fraternity will further strengthen the dialogue and mutual cooperation, between the two countries and throughout the whole region" he said.

Pope Francis also prayed for victims of the floods in India, saying: "My thoughts turn in this moment to the dear populations of India, recently stricken by a great flood."

The city of Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu state in southeastern India, was overwhelmed earlier this month after a series of record-breaking rainfalls triggered the flooding, in which some 300 people perished. Much of the city's 4.8 million population remains exposed to the threat of disease outbreak as a result of the flooding - and forecasters fear unusually intense weather patterns could bring more rain.

"Let us pray for these brothers and sisters, who are suffering as a result of this great calamity, and let us entrust the souls of the dead to the mercy of God," the Holy Father said.

Source: Vatican Radio