Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Syria

Pope Francis has appealed to the international community to intervene in Syria to help end the violence.

Speaking on Sunday, he said the country was being "martyred" by continued attacks killing civilians in the eastern Ghouta district. The Pontiff called for an immediate end to the violence and access to humanitarian aid.


"All this is inhuman," Francis told tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square.

His plea comes hours after the United Nations adopted a resolution demanding a 30-day truce across Syria to allow aid access and medical evacuation.

"In these days my thoughts have often been taken up by the beloved and martyred Syria," he said, noting there had been thousands of civilian victims of violence that had not spared even hospitals.

"You can't fight evil with another evil," he added, asking his listeners to join together in a moment of silent prayer.