Agenzia Fides

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - A new appeal for Syria, "to do everything possible because one day might be too late," was launched by Pope Benedict XVI at the end of today's general audience, together with the announcement that Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" is as from today in Lebanon, on a special mission. Benedict XVI said he is following with "particular concern the tragic situation of violence in Syria, where the noise of weapons do not stop and every day the number of victims and the terrible suffering of the people increase, particularly those who have had to leave their homes." To show his solidarity and that of the whole Church to the people in Syria and spiritual closeness to the Christian communities of the Country, it was his desire to send a Delegation of Synodal Fathers in Damascus. "Unfortunately, different circumstances and developments have not made this initiative possible in the manner desired – explained the Pope - and so I decided to entrust a special mission to Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum." As from today until November 10th, the Cardinal is in Lebanon, "where he will meet the Pastors and faithful of the Churches in Syria; he will visit some refugees from that Country and will chair a coordination meeting of Catholic charitable institutions, to which the Holy See asked a particular commitment in favour of the Syrian people, both inside and outside the country. " The Pope concluded his appeal with these words: "As I raise my prayer to God, I renew the invitation to the parties in conflict and those who have at heart the welfare of Syria to spare no effort in the search for peace and to pursue, through dialogue, the roads that lead to a fair living together, for the proper political solution to the conflict. We must do everything we can because one day may be too late." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/11/2012)