VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Sunday urged the United Nations Security Council to turn words into action after the international body on Friday unanimously approved a resolution supporting steps to end Syria’s civil war, including a January peace conference and a ceasefire.
Addressing pilgrims from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace following the noonday Angelus, the pope expressed “deep appreciation for the agreement just reached by the international community.”
“I encourage everyone to continue generously on the path toward an end to the violence and a negotiated settlement which leads to peace,” he said.
“Likewise,” he continued, “I think of neighboring Libya, where the recent commitment taken up between parties for a government of national unity invites us to hope for the future.”
Pope Francis also expressed his support for efforts to repair strained relations between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Last week, the two nations received a ruling from the International Court of Justice on a longstanding territorial dispute.
“I hope that a renewed spirit of fraternity will further strengthen the dialogue and mutual cooperation, as well as between all the countries of the region,” he said.
Finally, the pope prayed for the victims of the recent massive flooding in southern India.
“Let us pray for these brothers and sisters who are suffering as a result of this great calamity, and let us entrust the souls of the dead to the mercy of God,” he said.
Pope Francis concluded: “Let us pray a Hail Mary to Our Lady for all our brothers and sisters in India.”
Diane Montagnais Rome correspondent for Aleteia’s English edition.
And today we celebrate...