Pope Urges Dialogue on Syria and Libya

Pope Benedict XVI called Sunday for a redoubling of efforts to restore peace in conflict-torn Syria and Libya.

In his weekly address to pilgrims, the pontiff asked for the "legitimate aspirations" of the Syrian people to be met, while urging the international community to revive efforts for a Libyan peace plan.

"I am following with deep concern the dramatic and increasing episodes of violence in Syria that have led to numerous victims and grave suffering," the pontiff said at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome.

Syria's government has sought to crush dissent with brutal force, leaving at least 2,038 people dead, including 389 members of the security forces, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The pontiff also expressed concern about the situation in Libya where rebels are combatting forces loyal to strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

"I exhort the international organizations and those who bear political and military responsibility to revive with conviction and determination the search for a peace plan for the country, through negotiations and constructive dialogue," the pontiff said.

"Force of arms has not resolved the situation."

Benedict made a "pressing appeal to the authorities and the population to return to peaceful coexistence as soon as possible" in Syria -- also for the benefit of regional stability.

Calling for the dignity of Syrian citizens to be respected, the pontiff invited "faithful Catholics to pray that the efforts of reconciliation may prevail over the division and resentment" in Syria.

In June, he had expressed concern over events in Syria in a meeting with the new Syrian ambassador to the Holy See, Hussameddine Aala.

The pontiff said at the time that mass demonstrations against the government in Damascus showed "the urgent need for real reforms".

Benedict has previously said that Syria was traditionally "an example of tolerance, of conviviality and of harmonious relations between Christians and Muslims".

About 7.5 percent of Syria's 20 million inhabitants are Christian.

On Libya, the pope in May called for "the voice of negotiations and dialogue be stronger than that of violence, with the help of international organizations that are looking for a solution to the crisis".

According to experts, the pope fears that, as in Iraq, NATO's intervention in Libya will be perceived as aggression by the Christian world against Muslims.