Pope Francis has encouraged world leaders attending the Group of 20 Summit to abandon the Å“futile pursuit” of a military solution for Syria.
In a Thursday letter addressed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, host of the two-day G20 Summit in Saint Petersburg, the Pope expressed grave concern over the Å“one-sided interests” regarding the conflict in Syria.
Å“To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution,” Francis wrote.
Francis said the talk of military action on Syria has prevented a diplomatic end to the conflict and caused the Å“senseless massacre” of innocents.
The Vatican summoned 71 ambassadors to the Holy See to inform them of the Churchâ„¢s position on Syria whose August 21 chemical attack had generated Å“horror and concern” from around the world.
Vatican and church officials have warned of a potential world war, as US President Barack Obama pushes for a Syria strike during the G20 meeting.
On Wednesday, the head of Francis’ Jesuit order, the Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, said that military action by the US and France would be an Å“abuse of power.”
Å“I cannot understand who gave the United States or France the right to act against a country in a way that will certainly increase the suffering of the citizens of that country, who, by the way, have already suffered beyond measure,” Nicolas remarked.
Nevertheless, a number of Western countries, including the United States, France and Britain, quickly started campaigning for war.
On Wednesday, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved a draft resolution backing the use of force against Syria. The draft resolution requires the approval of both chambers of Congress before it can be interpreted as any form of congressional authorization for the US administration to launch an attack on Syria.
GMA/KA
Republished from: Press TV