Vatican denounces Syria massacre at UN

Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi, Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva gave the following intervention at the Special Session on “The deteriorating human rights situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the recent killings in El-Houleh”

Madam President,

The Delegation of the Holy See strongly condemns the escalating acts of violence in Syria and in particular the recent killings in El-Houleh. This massacre of innocents, including numerous children, is particularly heinous and a cause of great sorrow for the Holy Father and the entire Catholic community, as well as the international community which has expressed its unanimous condemnation. Fundamental human rights are violated and the risk of further escalation of the conflict requires a determined engagement of all parties to dialogue with greater urgency.

I stand before you today to renew the repeated appeals of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for an end to the violence and the bloodshed, for “an immediate commitment to the path of respect, dialogue and reconciliation, as called for by the international community”, and that “the many refugees from that country who are in need of humanitarian assistance find the acceptance and solidarity capable of relieving their dreadful sufferings.”More than ever the Holy See calls upon all leaders of the various religions, through prayer and mutual collaboration, to commit themselves to promoting peace for the good of the whole community. In a particular way, I would like to call upon all believers to pray and work for peace and for Christians to persevere in being bridges of reconciliation among the various communities in the country. Violence will only lead to further violence, death and destruction. The peace plan should be accepted and implemented and the collaboration of the world community should offer fair and constructive assistance that may lead to confidence and a future of peace. Thank you, Madam President.