Pope appeals to Syrian authorities to end violence

Feb 12, 2012, 11:35 GMT

Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday launched a fresh appeal for an end to the violence in Syria, urging authorities to 'urgently' address the demands of pro-democracy demonstrators.

Benedict, addressing a thousands gathered in St Peter's Square for his traditional Sunday noon Angelus prayer, referred to the 'dramatic and growing episodes of violence in Syria.'

'I remember in prayer the victims, several of whom are children, the injured and all those who suffer the consequences of a increasingly worrying conflict' the pontiff said.

Benedict who has publicly implored a stop to clashes in Syria several times since November, said he was also again 'inviting the political authorities in Syria to favour dialogue, reconciliation and a commitment to peace,'

'A response to the legitimate aspirations of the various components of the (Syrian) nation is urgently needed,' Benedict said.

In the latest violence at least 11 people were killed Sunday by Syrian government troops in restive areas of the country, opposition activists reported.

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