ISTANBUL
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the globe’s estimated one billion Catholics, urged Sunday the international community to support Turkey on its response to Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
On the final day of his three-day visit, Pope Francis met with displaced youth and children who are helped by Turkish Salezy community at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (St. Esprit Cathedral) in Istanbul’s Harbiye neighborhood and expressed gratitude to Turkey for extending a helping hand.
Turkey hosts an estimated 1.6 million Syrian refugees.
Pope Francis emphasized that many of the displaced Syrians around the world are living in intolerable conditions, and called for immediate assistance from the international community before it’s too late.
Addressing the cathedral, the pope gave advice to young people saying that they should not give in to desperation despite the difficulties and obstacles, and should continue to hope for a better future.
The Salezy Christian community based in Istanbul assists more than 600 people, including displaced Syrians, Iraqis, African Christians and Muslims.
The pontiff has left Turkey on Sunday afternoon.
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