At the end of his catechesis the Pope launched two new appeals, reiterating his sorrow for the victims of the conflict in Syria and recalling that tomorrow, 13 October, will be World Day for the reduction of natural disasters.

“I wish to underline and to reiterate my closeness to all the victims of the inhuman conflict in Syria. It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal to leaders, imploring with all my strength, to take steps for an immediate ceasefire, to be imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to evacuate the civilians, especially children, who are still trapped by the cruel bombings”.

“Tomorrow, 13 October, will be the International Day for the Reduction of Natural Disasters, which this year proposes the theme ‘Reduce mortality’”, he continued. “Indeed, natural disasters could be avoided or at least limited, since their effects are often due to a lack of care for the environment by mankind. I therefore encourage the uniting of efforts with a long-term perspective for the protection of our common home, promoting a culture of prevention, with the help also of new knowledge, reducing risks for the most vulnerable populations.