Pope after Talks with Suleiman Calls for 'Greater Aid' for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

Pope Francis called Friday for greater humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and surrounding countries, after meeting with President Michel Suleiman at the Vatican.

"The huge number of Syrian refugees who have sought refuge in Lebanon and the neighboring countries gives rise to particular concern," the Vatican said following the talks.

"Greater humanitarian aid is called for, for the refugees and the suffering population, with the support of the international community," it said.

The United Nations in mid-April said that Lebanon was housing 400,000 Syrians who have fled the conflict now in its third year which has killed more than 70,000 people.

Those fleeing war-ravaged Syria included a quarter of a million children, the Vatican noted.

At the meeting, the pontiff and Suleiman also discussed the "delicate situation of Christians throughout the Middle East."

Christians in the region have felt under threat from the rise of political Islam following the Arab Spring.

They have been uneasy about showing support for rebels against Syria's President Bashar Assad and the secular Baathists who have largely safeguarded freedom of belief.

Francis and Suleiman also discussed their hopes for "the quick and fruitful resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, which is ever more necessary for peace and stability in the region."