Appealing for peace in Syria, pope expresses fear of wider conflict

June 22, 2012: The international community must act swiftly and decisively to end the violence in Syria, which "risks becoming a widespread conflict that would have serious negative consequences for the country and the entire region," said Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday morning. He was speaking to the participants in the annual general meeting of the Reunion of Organisations for Aid to the Oriental Churches (ROACO).

The pope expressed his prayers and hopes for peace in Syria during his meeting with Catholic Church representatives from throughout the Middle East, including the nuncio to Syria, the president of Caritas Syria, leaders of Syro-Malabar Church in India, and the Greek-Catholic Church of Ukraine. The representatives and leaders were at the Vatican for a meeting of the Vatican's coordinating body for church funding agencies that assist Eastern Catholics and Catholics throughout the Middle East.

The violence in Syria began in March 2011 and has led to the deaths of thousands of civilians as soldiers battle forces seeking an end to the rule of President Bashar Assad. Pope Benedict said he wanted to express again his sorrow for the suffering of the Syrian people, particularly innocent children and defenseless citizens. "May our prayer, our commitment and our concrete brotherhood in Christ, like the oil of consolation, help them not lose the light of hope in these dark moments, and may God grant the leaders wisdom of heart so they would halt all bloodshed and violence, which brings only pain and death, and open the possibility for reconciliation, agreement and peace," the Pontiff added.

In closing Benedict XVI called on the members of ROACO to be "eloquent signs of the charity that pours from Christ’s heart" and to "present the Church to the world in her most authentic identity and mission". He concluded by expressing the hope that the Virgin would give them hope and watch over his own forthcoming trip to Lebanon.