Pope appeals for dialogue for northeast Syria

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his appeal to all parties involved in the current military offensive in northeast Syria and to the International Community to “sincerely engage, with honesty and transparency, on the path of dialogue in order to seek effective solutions.”

Speaking during the Angelus after the Canonization Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said his thoughts go, “once again” to the Middle East, “in particular   to the beloved and martyred Syria, from where dramatic news is emerging once again regarding the fate of the people in  the north-east of the country, who are forced to abandon their homes because of military action”.

He was referring to the Turkish assault on Syrian territory held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

The Turkish offensive is now in its fifth day. More than 50 civilians have reportedly been killed on both sides of the border and some 130,000 people have already fled their homes,

Pope Francis noted that amongst those fleeing the violence “ there are also many Christian families”.