Pope Francis closed his traditional Sunday blessing by saying "nothing can justify" the use of chemical weapons against defenseless populations and called for those responsible for a suspected attack in Syria to seek negotiations. The pope referred to news of dozens killed, including many children and women, in a suspected poison gas attack on a rebel-held town near the Syrian capital. "There is not a good or a bad war, and nothing can justify such instruments that exterminate defenseless people and populations," the pope said. The pontiff urged the faithful to continue to seek reconciliation, or confession, because "every time we are forgiven, we are reassured and encouraged." On Tuesday, the missionaries are due to have an audience with Francis, followed by a special Mass with him at St. Peters Basilica.

Source: dna April 08, 2018 14:37 UTC