Vatican City, Apr 5, 2017 / 04:47 am
On Wednesday, Pope Francis expressed his horror at a chemical weapon attack in the province of Idlib, Syria the previous day, also expressing his sorrow for the victims of an attack April 3 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
"We witness, horrified, the latest events in Syria," the Pope said April 5. "I strongly deplore the unacceptable massacre that took place yesterday in the province of Idlib, where dozens of civilians were killed, including many children."
"I pray for the victims and their families, and I appeal to the conscience of those who have political responsibility, locally and internationally, so that this tragedy may come to an end and relief be brought to that beloved population who for too long have been devastated by war," he continued.
Francis also offered encouragement to those who, even in a time of insecurity and discomfort, are working to bring help to the people of that region.