VATICAN CITY
Pope Benedict XVI has made a call to pray for Syrian dialogue.
Benedict has addressed to all members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Holy See on Monday.
Benedict XVI followed a peace themed message and has made an urgent appeal to civil and political authorities to work for peace.
Referring to the authorities, he said, "They are the first called to resolve the numerous conflicts causing bloodshed in our human family, beginning with that privileged region in God’s plan, the Middle East."
During his speech, he stated his concerns about the bloodshed in Syria and said, "I think first and foremost of Syria, torn apart by endless slaughter and the scene of dreadful suffering among its civilian population. I renew my appeal for a ceasefire and the inauguration as quickly as possible of a constructive dialogue aimed at putting an end to a conflict which will know no victors but only vanquished if it continues, leaving behind it nothing but a field of ruins."
He stressed the issues between Israel and Palestine and said, "Your Excellencies, allow me to ask you to continue to make your Governments aware of this, so that essential aid will urgently be made available to face this grave humanitarian situation. I now turn with deep concern towards the Holy Land. Following Palestine’s recognition as a Non-Member Observer State of the United Nations, I again express the hope that, with the support of the international community, Israelis and Palestinians will commit themselves to peaceful coexistence within the framework of two sovereign states, where respect for justice and the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples will be preserved and guaranteed.
