Scottish Catholic Observer

Addressing pilgrims and tourists gathered beneath the window of the Papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace to pray the Angelus with him on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis said: “It is important to me that we turn our thoughts once again today to our beloved Syria, to express deep appreciation for the  agreement just reached by the international community.

“I encourage everyone to continue, with a generous spirit of confident willingness, toward cessation of violence and a negotiated settlement leading to peace.”

The Pope also expressed hope for the success of a recently reached plan for a national unity government in Libya.

“I likewise think of nearby Libya, where the recent working agreement among the parties for a government of national unity invites hope for the future,” he said

The Pope also spoke of efforts to repair strained relations between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which last week received a ruling from the International Court of Justice on a long-standing territorial dispute.

“I hope, that a renewed spirit of fraternity will further strengthen the dialogue and mutual cooperation, between the two countries and throughout the whole region,” the Pope said.