Pope Francis used his Easter address Sunday to urge the international community not stand by in the face of the “immense humanitarian tragedy” in Syria and Iraq.
In his annual “Urbi and Orbi” message, Francis prayed that “the roar of arms may cease and that peaceful relations may be restored among the various groups which make up” Syria and Iraq, and called on the international community to respond to the “immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees”.