FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rev. Christopher Pollard212-370-7885 Ext. 30cpollard@holyseemission.orgNew York, NY, Feb. 14 – On Sunday 12 February 2012, during the midday Angelus Prayer, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI made the following appeal:"It is with great concern that I am following the dramatic and increasing violence in Syria. In recent days there have been many victims, some of them children. I recall them all in my prayers, just as I do the wounded and those who are suffering the consequences of an increasingly worrying conflict. I also renew my urgent appeal to put an end to the violence and bloodshed and, finally, invite everyone - particularly the Syrian authorities - to favour the paths of dialogue, reconciliation and commitment to peace. It is vital to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the various components of the nation, and to the hopes of the international community, which is concerned for the common good of society as a whole, and of the region".For more information about the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy Seeto the United Nations, please visit www.holyseemission.org,which contains also links to the Holy See Press Office.###