Pope Urges Prayers For Beloved Syria

VATICAN-POPE Francis has appealed to “the humanity” of kidnappers in Syria and urged them to free their hostages, expressing deep concern for the victims, according to the Australian News.

“I appeal to the humanity of the kidnappers and for them to release their victims,” the pope told a large crowd as he delivered the Angelus prayer on St Peter’s Square on Sunday.

In late April two Orthodox bishops were kidnapped in northern Syria, though the pontiff did not make any specific reference to their case.

“Let us pray for our beloved Syria,” the pope said from a window in the Apostolic Palace, to warm applause from the thousands of faithful in the square.

There has been no news on the whereabouts of the two bishops, Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yaziji, who were reportedly taken near the rebel-held town of Kafr Dael, near Aleppo.

M.D