In a sharply-worded intervention in the debate on the Syrian conflict, Pope Francis also accused world leaders of having stood by and allowed a "senseless massacre" to unfold in the country.
The Pope wrote in a letter, delivered to Vladimir Putin but addressed to all the G20 leaders meeting: "To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution."
He added: "Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community.
"Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because of the conflict, both within and beyond the country's borders." » | Tom Kington, Vatican City | Thursday, September 05, 2013
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Barack Obama: US cannot turn 'blind eye' to Syria: President Obama says the US has presented a "powerful case" that the Syrian government was responsible for a chemical weapons attack in Damascus last month. (+ video) » | Saturday, 07, 2013
