Pope says Iraq violence 'offends God'
- 10 years ago
In front of thousands packed in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis took to his balcony for his weekly prayer with a heavy heart.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:
"The news arriving from Iraq leaves us in disbelief and dismay."
An Islamic State insurgency in northern Iraq has forced thousands to flee for their lives.
The pope says the refugees, including children, Christians and the ancient Yazidi sect, are dying of hunger and thirst.
Meanwhile homes are being destroyed and people massacred.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:
"Women seized; people massacred; violence of every kind; destruction everywhere, destruction of houses and places of religious, historical and cultural heritage. All this seriously offends God and seriously offends humanity."
The Pope also thanked those bringing relief to the victims.
He said he had faith in an eventual political solution there, and is sending a personal envoy to Iraq on Monday.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:
"The news arriving from Iraq leaves us in disbelief and dismay."
An Islamic State insurgency in northern Iraq has forced thousands to flee for their lives.
The pope says the refugees, including children, Christians and the ancient Yazidi sect, are dying of hunger and thirst.
Meanwhile homes are being destroyed and people massacred.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:
"Women seized; people massacred; violence of every kind; destruction everywhere, destruction of houses and places of religious, historical and cultural heritage. All this seriously offends God and seriously offends humanity."
The Pope also thanked those bringing relief to the victims.
He said he had faith in an eventual political solution there, and is sending a personal envoy to Iraq on Monday.