ASIA/SYRIA - Syrian conflict, the Pope calls for a ceasefire. The Armenian Archbishop of Aleppo: we know that his heart is with us

Wednesday, 12 October 2016 oriental churches   wars   childhood  

proterrasancta.org

Aleppo (Agenzia Fides) - "We know that the Pope’s heart is with us. We also saw it when he chose to include Archbishop Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Damascus, in the list of future Cardinals. But while he calls for a cease-fire, the bombs continue to fall on us, both in the east and west of Aleppo. In the last hours two artillery bombs arrived in our neighborhood. We hope that his words reach those who on several fronts, continue to fuel this dirty war". This is how Archbishop Boutros Marayati, at the head of the Armenian Catholic archieparchy in Aleppo comments the appeal launched by Pope Francis at the end of today's general audience, in which the Bishop of Rome asked for a suspension of the bombing taking place in Syria to allow the evacuation of civilians from conflict areas.
"In recent days" refers Marayati to Agenzia Fides "UN envoy Staffan de Mistura said he was ready to come to Aleppo to physically accompany the armed rebel groups outside the city, to allow civilians to be freed from the nightmare of bombs. But his proposal was rejected by the rebel groups. Now we are again without water and without light, and the situation is becoming increasingly serious, especially for children".
"It is with a sense of urgency", said Pope Francis at the end of the general audience "that I renew my appeal, begging those responsible, with all my strength, for an immediate ceasefire to be imposed and respected at least long enough to consent the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under the ferocious bombardment". (GV) (Agenzia Fides 12/10/2016)


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