Pope Francis backs bids for Syria peace conference

Pope Francis on Wednesday encouraged attempts by the international community to organize a highly-anticipated Syria peace conference and called for greater humanitarian aid for refugees. "In recent weeks the international community has reaffirmed its intention to promote concrete initiatives to bring about a fruitful dialogue designed to bring an end to the war," he said. "These initiatives are to be encouraged, and it is hoped that they will lead to peace," the pope said during a meeting with Catholic aid groups working with refugees in Syria and the region. US, Russian and UN diplomats were meeting in Geneva on Wednesday to plan an international peace conference aimed at bringing the Syrian regime and the opposition together to try to negotiate an end to a war which has left some 94,000 dead. The initial plan for the talks to be held early this month -- to build on an accord signed in Geneva on June 30 -- has now slipped into July, amid wrangling over the exact guest list and agenda. "In the face of ongoing and overwhelming violence, I strongly renew my appeal for peace," Francis said, amid growing concern over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria such as sarin gas. "To the international community, besides the pursuit of a negotiated solution to the conflict, I ask for the provision of humanitarian aid for the displaced and refugees, and Syrians who have lost their homes," he added. The Argentinian pontiff encouraged the Catholic aid groups to continue to assist the Syrian population "without regard for ethnic or religious affiliation" and said the Holy See was lending its efforts to "building a future of peace for a Syria in which everyone can live freely." "May all of you here present tell the beloved people of Syria and the Middle East that the Pope accompanies them and is near to them. The Church will not abandon them!" he said.