Calling for prayers for Syria, Pope Francis says war will solve nothing

In a video message to support a new Caritas Internationalis campaign for peace in Syria, Pope Francis says there is no military solution to the ongoing war there, which is now over five years old, and calls for international efforts at political negotiations. "The international community must therefore support the peace talks heading towards the construction of a government of national unity," Pope Francis says.He also issues a call for prayers and awareness-raising across the Church, and to proclaim that peace in Syria is possible. A website with that message, “Syria: Peace is Possible” has been created by Caritas here. It includes specially commissioned artwork from Syrian artist Tammam Azzam, an animated film on the war, an award winning photo series and testimony from Syrians living both inside the country and as refugees in bordering nations and beyond.For background on the conflict, and some terrifying statistics, see the BBC's special page on 'Life and Death in Syria'.A transcript of Francis's message follows.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,Today I want to speak to you about something that saddens my heart a lot: the war in Syria, now in its fifth year. It 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!