Pope Francis calls for peace in Syria

The Vatican: Pope Francis has called for peace in Syria and other parts of the world affected by conflict and said terrorism was sowing 'fear and death' in many countries. Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the pontiff referred to the suffering of civilians in the 'most awful battles' in Aleppo.

“Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism, which have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities,” said the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. He put pressure on the international community to find a negotiated solution and also urged Israelis and Palestinians to abandon hate and revenge.