Pope appeals for peace in Syria, sends special mission
(Nov. 11, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI has made a heartfelt appeal to parties in conflict
in Syria, to spare no effort in searching for peace and a suitable political solution
through dialogue. “It is never too late to work for peace! We must do everything
that is possible, because one day it may be too late,” Pope Benedict said on Wednesday
during his weekly general audience in St.Peter’s Square. “As I make my prayer to God,”
he said in Italian, “ I renew my invitation to the parties in conflict, and to all
those who have the good of Syria at heart, to spare no effort in the search for peace
and to pursue through dialogue the path to a just coexistence, in view of a suitable
political solution of the conflict.” Pope Benedict said he continues to follow developments
in Syria and lamented that “the fighting has not ceased and each day the toll of victims
rises, accompanied by the untold suffering of many civilians, especially those who
have been forced to abandon their homes.” The 19-month revolt against 42 years
of autocratic rule of the family of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has claimed more
than 32,000 lives and left many parts of the country in ruins. Pope Benedict had
earlier announced a papal delegation to Syria as a sign of his and the Catholic Church’s
solidarity for the Syrian people, as well as their spiritual closeness to the Christian
communities there. However, circumstances did not permit the mission. Nevertheless,
the Holy Father has sent Cardinal Robert Sarah, President of the Vatican’s Pontifical
Council “Cor Unum on a special mission to Lebanon. He has also sent a million dollars
in aid through the prelate who will be in Lebanon from Nov. 7 to 10, where he
will meet the Pastors and faithful of the Churches present in Syria. The Guinean
cardinal will also visit a number of Syrian refugees and will hold a meeting of Catholic
charitable agencies to coordinate efforts in providing assistance to the Syrian people,
within and outside the country.