Pope to world leaders: if you want to help Syrians, stop funding the war
Categories: Articles:Peacemaking |
Published: 19/06/2016 |
Views: 1721
In his message for a new campaign promoting peace in Syria, Pope Francis called out world leaders who speak of ending the conflict, but at the same time fund the war through the sale of arms. 'While the people suffer, incredible quantities of money are being spent to supply weapons to fighters,' the Pope said in his video message, published July 5. (Elise Harris, Catholic News Agency)
He noted that some of the countries supplying the weapons 'are also among those that talk of peace. How can you believe in someone who caresses you with the right hand and strikes you with the left hand?'
Francis encouraged people of all ages throughout the world to use the Holy Year of Mercy as an occasion to 'overcome indifference and proclaim with strength that peace in Syria is possible! Peace in Syria is possible!'
His message accompanied the launch of a new campaign by Catholic charity organisation Caritas Internationalis titled 'Syria: peace is possible.'
The Syrian civil war, already in its fifth year, is the largest relief operation undertaken by Caritas. Since the conflict began it has claimed the lives of more than 270,000 people. There are more than 4.6 million Syrian refugees in nearby countries, and an additional 8 million Syrian people are believed to have been internally displaced by the war. Read more, and see video of Pope Francis speaking here
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