Pope asks God to convert terrorists

(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 25 - Pope Francis on Wednesday called on the faithful to pray to God to "convert the hearts" of terrorists in Syria after over 160 people were killed in a series of attacks on the cities of Jableh and Tartus earlier this week. "I exhort everyone to pray to the merciful Father, to pray to the Madonna, that (God) might give eternal rest to the victims, and consolation to their families," the Pope said during his weekly general audience, "and He might convert the hearts of those who sow death and destruction".