Pope sending delegation to Syria to express solidarity
(Oct. 17, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI is sending a delegation, including top Vatican
officials to Damascus to express solidarity with the Syrian people suffering in their
country's civil war. The announcement was made by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal
Tarciscio Bertone Tuesday evening to the 13th General Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops taking place in the Vatican, Oct. 7-28 on “New Evangelization” Cardinal
Bertone said the delegation would go to Syria next week, if arrangements can be
made. The group will consist of seven top prelates, including the Holy See's top official
for inter-religious dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran. Cardinal Bertone said
church leaders ``cannot be simple spectators' given the immense suffering in Syria,
and said they are convinced the solution must be a ``political'' one. The delegation
will express solidarity “to all the population in the Pope's name and offer encouragement
to those seeking an accord respecting human rights, said Cardinal Bertone .