Nuncio: call for religious leaders to appeal for peace in Syria

(Vatican Radio) The cease-fire in Syria continues to show signs of serious strain, with activists reporting deadly attacks from government forces on opposition-held areas in the north and south and continued bombardment of the beleaguered city of Homs. Some opposition groups report that more than 50 people were killed over the course of the day Tuesday.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Syria, Archbishop Mario Zenari told Vatican Radio it is time for the leaders of all religious communities in Syria to issue a joint appeal for an end to violence. “It would be very suitable, I think,” he said, for there to be, “a courageous, unanimous and super partes declaration from all the different religious communities’ representatives present in Syria.” The Nuncio went on to say such a declaration would be, “A moral authority, able to speak courageously and openly to the consciences about the tragic and painful consequences of certain wrong decisions taken by the parties to the conflict.” Archbsihop Zenari also noted the work of the international community to mediate the crisis, as well as the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI’s repeated calls for an end to violence and a return to dialogue.