Pope Francis makes humanitarian appeal to President Assad

Traumatised children in Idlib - Image Franciscans

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis has written to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to voice his deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Syria, with particular reference to the conditions of the civilian population in Idlib province, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Monday.

The letter was delivered personally by Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, accompanied by Fr Nicola Riccardi, OFM, Undersecretary of the Dicastery, and Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio to Syria.

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Vatican Media the Holy Father's letter urged "protection of civilian life, an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib Province, concrete initiatives for a safe return of displaced persons, the release of detainees and access for families to information regarding their loved ones, and humane conditions for political prisoners.

"All this and a renewed appeal for a resumption of dialogue and negotiations with the involvement of the international community.

More than three million people live in the area of Idlib, of which 1.3 million are internally displaced, forced by the long conflict in Syria to find refuge in the area, which last year was declared demilitarized. The recent military offensive has added to the already extreme living conditions they had to endure in the camps, forcing many of them to flee.

"The Pope follows with apprehension and great sorrow the tragic fate of the civilian population, children in particular, caught up in the bloody fighting. Unfortunately, the war grinds on - it has not ended: the bombings continue, various health facilities have been destroyed in that area, while many others have had to suspend their activities, either completely or partially."

Cardinal Parolin said: "The Holy See has always insisted on the need to seek an appropriate political solution to end the conflict, overcoming partisan interests. And this must be done using the instruments of diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation, along with the assistance of the international community. We have had to learn once again that war generates war and violence incites violence - as the Pope has said many times, and as he repeats also in this letter. Unfortunately, we are concerned about the stalemate in the negotiation process - especially that seen in Geneva - for a political solution to the crisis. That is why, in the letter sent to President Assad, the Holy Father encourages him to show good will and to work towards finding viable solutions, putting an end to a conflict which has lasted far too long and which has led to the loss of numerous innocent lives."