Pope Hopes Geneva 2 Will Launch Peace Process in Syria

Pope Francis on Monday voiced hope that talks in Geneva next week will kick off a peace process in Syria.

The pope expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation and said urgent aid should be allowed to reach all parts of the country.

"What is presently needed is a renewed political will to end the conflict. In this regard, I express my hope that the Geneva 2 Conference, to be held on 22 January, will mark the beginning of the desired peace process," he said in a speech to the Vatican diplomatic corps.

Francis pleaded for "social harmony" in Egypt and peace and stability in Iraq and said the exodus of Christian minorities from the Middle East and north Africa continued to be "a source of concern."

He also voiced satisfaction over Iran nuclear negotiations and the restoration of democracy in Mali and said Israeli-Palestinian talks should lead to "courageous decisions aimed at finding a just and lasting solution to a conflict which urgently needs to end."