Pope Francis almost begged to Russian and Syrian authorities to stop the airstrikes in Aleppo.
Pope Francis called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Syria to allow the evacuation of the civilians.
This is the strongest appeal to date of Pope Francis regarding the conflict on Syria which has escalated since efforts to reach a ceasefire collapsed in September.
Syria and its ally Russia have subsequently launched their biggest offensive on the rebel-held sectors in the city of Aleppo.
The airstrikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including calls from France and United States of America for the conduct of an investigation into war crimes that have been allegedly committed by Syrian and Russian forces.
“I want to underline and reiterate my closeness to all the victims of the inhumane conflict in Syria. It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging those responsible, with all my strength, for an immediate ceasefire”, appealed Pope Francis before tens of thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Please read the continuation of this article on the next page.