DHAKA: Pope Francis called for reconciliation in Syria on Saturday as he led a mass peace vigil on St Peter’s square and millions of Catholics worldwide were joined by other faiths in a day of fasting and prayer.

‘In beloved Syria, in the Middle East, in all the world, let us pray for reconciliation and peace, let us work for reconciliation and peace,’ the pontiff told tens of thousands who had gathered on the square for the four-hour event, with smaller gatherings held in churches, mosques and synagogues around the globe, The Straits Times publishes this report on Sunday.

Francis has called for a ‘cry for peace’ from humanity, firmly opposing all fighting including the military strikes against the Syrian regime being pushed by the United States and France.

‘War always marks the failure of peace, it is always a defeat for humanity.’

BDST: 1459 HRS, SEPT 08, 2013
RoR/RIS