Pope: appeal for Syria

Pope Francis on Wednesday turned his attention to the continuing violence in Syria and prayed for the release of two Metropolitan Orthodox Bishops held by unknown kidnappers.

Speaking to the crowds of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis prayed for the rapid release of Bishop Paul Yazigi of the Greek Orthodox Church and John Ibrahim of the Syriac Orthodox Church who were abducted as they travelled to the city of Aleppo on Monday whilst on a humanitarian mission. Their driver was killed.

The Pope said the kidnapping is yet another sign of the tragic situation in Syria, where violence and bloodshed continue to sow death and destruction. And Pope Francis renewed his appeal for an end to the violence, for a political solution to the crisis, and for necessary humanitarian aid for the population.