Pope to world leaders: Lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution in Syria
September 5, 2013 (Romereports) Pope Francis is exhausting all efforts to avoid a military strike on Syria. The latest is a the letter he wrote to the world leaders at the G-20 summit, that is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia. With strong words, Francis wrote that ever since the start of the conflict, “one-sided interests” have interfered with finding a “solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding.” Francis addressed each and everyone of the G20 leaders and asked them to “lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution.” The Vatican spokesman presented the letter during a press conference on Thursday. P. FEDERICO LOMBARDI Vatican Spokesman “To the leaders present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution thr...