A Vatican study group is urging world leaders to stop the flow of arms into Syria and to press for an immediate and complete cease-fire there without political preconditions. “Political transformation is needed,” its written statement said, but “it is not a precondition for ending violence; rather it will accompany the cessation of violence and the rebuilding of trust.” Once greater trust and cooperation are built, “new political forms in Syria are needed to ensure representation, participation, reform and the voice and security of all social groups,” it said. The statement was based on discussion during a day-long, closed-door workshop hosted on Jan. 13 by the Pontifical Academy for Sciences. The statement, addressed to Pope Francis, was also meant to help inform leaders taking part in U.N.-backed peace talks scheduled to begin in Geneva on Jan. 22.
Vatican Group: Stop Arms to Syria
Show Comments (
)
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
The latest from america
Few, if any, Latin Americans show up on the speculative lists of who might be elected as the supreme pontiff, or “papabile.” But that doesn’t mean the cardinals will not once again look to the New World.
Casa Santa Marta is abuzz with workers, engineers, and Vatican officials transforming the guesthouse that was the residence of Pope Francis into a secure, secluded place of lodging that would put Fort Knox to shame.
Working for the protection of people by safeguarding against the crime abuse is an integral expression of Christian faith. The successor of Pope Francis has the task of picking up where he left off and continuing resolutely. How can that be done?
Francis always encouraged me in our attempt to move forward as an ecumenical community and in welcoming young people from different churches who come to Taizé from all over the world. He was the pope, but also a father and a brother to me.