Vatican City, Sep 1, 2013 / 06:55 am
Departing from his typical reflections on the Sunday gospel, Pope Francis used his Angelus audience today to call for peace throughout the world, particularly in conflict-ridden Syria.
"I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me," he said to the crowds in St. Peter's Square on Sept. 1.
"There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming," continued the Pope.
"For this reason, brothers and sisters, I have decided to call for a vigil for the whole Church," he announced.