Pope Francis said Thursday that
he was praying for the civilian population in Syria and for the
Christian minority there.
He spoke while on a Lenten retreat in Ariccia near Rome
following reports that Islamic State (ISIS) jihadists had
destroyed Christian villages and captured about 220 Christians
in the area.
ISIS has particularly targeted Christians and the pope has
condemned the violence.
Last week Francis said he was praying for victims of
violence at the hands of terrorists.
The apostolic nuncio in Damascus, Msgr. Mario Zenari, said
it was "clear that the pope is constantly thinking of us,
thinking about Christians and the situation of all people who
suffer".
He added in comments to Vatican Radio that "not only
Christians, but all people (in the region) are afraid, afraid
and run away if they can".
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