Pope Francis calls Syria attack an 'unacceptable massacre'

Pope Francis calls the suspected chemical weapons attack that killed dozens, including many children, in Syria “an unacceptable massacre.”

During his midweek public audience in St Peter’s square, Francis says that he was “watching with horror at the latest events in Syria,” and said he “strongly deplored the unacceptable massacre.”

Pope Francis blesses the crowd at the end of a weekly general audience at St Peter's square on April 5, 2017 in Vatican. (AFP PHOTO / Filippo MONTEFORTE) — Pope Francis blesses the crowd at the end of a weekly general audience at St Peter’s square on April 5, 2017 in Vatican. (AFP PHOTO / Filippo MONTEFORTE)

He calls on the “conscious of those with political responsibility both locally and internationally to cease this tragedy and bring relief to that dear population that for too long has been exhausted by war.”

The 80-year-old pontiff also encourages those bringing aid to the stricken population “even amid insecurity and discomfort.”

— Agencies