For pope, no military solution in Syria is possible, only a national unity government can do

Francis issues a video message in support of Caritas Internationalis’s ‘Syria, peace is possible’ campaign. “While the people suffer, incredible quantities of money are being spent to supply weapons to fighters. And some of the countries supplying these arms are also among those that talk of peace. How can you believe in someone who caresses you with the right hand and strikes you with the left hand?”

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Francis released a video message today to support Syria: Peace is Possible, a campaign for peace launched by Caritas internationalis.

For the pontiff, "peace is possible", but "everyone has to recognise that there is no military solution". Only a political solution through a national unity government is possible.

In his message, Francis also slams arms sales and the fact that countries calling for peace are involved in this trafficking.

The war in Syria is now in its fifth year. This “is a situation of unspeakable suffering that the Syrian people are victims of, forced to survive under bombs or to find escape routes to other countries or areas of Syria that are less war-torn: to leave their own home, everything. . . I also think about the Christian communities, which I give my full support to for the discrimination they have to bear.

“So I want to turn to all the faithful and those that are committed, with Caritas, to the construction of a more just society. While the people suffer, incredible quantities of money are being spent to supply weapons to fighters. And some of the countries supplying these arms are also among those that talk of peace. How can you believe in someone who caresses you with the right hand and strikes you with the left hand?

“I encourage all, adults and young people, to live the Holy Year of Mercy enthusiastically to overcome indifference and proclaim with strength that peace in Syria is possible! Peace in Syria is possible!

“For this, we are called to embody this Word of God: “I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord. “They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah, 29:11)

“The invitation is to pray for peace in Syria and for its people at prayer vigils, at awareness raising initiatives in groups, parishes and in communities, to spread the message of peace, a message of unity and hope.

“Works of peace then follow prayer. I invite you to call on those who are involved in peace negotiations to take these agreements seriously and to make every effort to facilitate access to humanitarian aid.

“Everyone has to recognise that there is no military solution for Syria, but only a political solution. The international community must therefore support the peace talks heading towards the construction of a government of national unity.

“Let’s join forces, at all levels, to ensure that peace in beloved Syria is possible. Now that really will be a great example of mercy and love lived for the good of all the international community! May the Lord bless you and may Mary Most Holy protect you. Thank you.

For its part, Caritas Internationalis has launched a new website - syria.caritas.org - to support the campaign for peace in Syria, urging its supporters around the world to put pressure on governments to make sure that all parties to the conflict come together to find a peaceful solution, support millions of people who suffer the consequences of war, and give the Syrians, inside and outside the country, dignity and hope.

The new Syria: Peace is Possible website includes specially commissioned artwork from Syrian artist Tammam Azzam, an animated film on the war, an award winning photo series and stories from Syrians living both inside the country and as refugees in bordering nations and beyond.

• vatican
• syria
• civil war
• pope francis
• video message
• caritas internationalis