VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis closed his traditional Sunday blessing by saying “nothing can justify” the use of chemical weapons against defenceless 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. He offered prayers for the dead and the families that are suffering. “There is not a good or a bad war, and nothing can justify such instruments that exterminate defenceless people and populations,” the pope said. On Tuesday, the missionaries are due to have an audience with Francis, followed by a special Mass with him at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Source: National Post April 08, 2018 09:45 UTC