Pope renews appeal for peace in Syria

Source: Vatican Media

At the Regina Coeli with pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square today (Sunday) Pope Francis once again appealed for peace in Syria.

The Holy Father said: "I am deeply troubled by the current world situation in which, despite the instruments available to the international community, there is still difficulty in agreeing to a common action in favour of peace in Syria and other regions of the world."

Speaking off the cuff, Pope Francis said: "While I continue to pray unceasingly for peace, and invite all people of good will to do the same, I renew my appeal to all those with political responsibilities to ensure that justice and peace prevail."

The Pope's comments come a day after the United States, Britain, and France launched a missile attack against sites in Syria, in response to claims that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons in its ongoing war against rebels. Syria and its allies have denied those claims.

Both sides continue to threaten the use of force.

In his Twitter message, posted at 6.30am (UK time) today, to more than 17.6 million followers, Pope Francis said: 'While I continue to pray unceasingly for peace, and invite all people of good will to do the same, I renew my appeal to all those with political responsibilities to ensure that justice and peace prevail.'