Pope asks Syria to help secure peace

Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI yesterday encouraged Syria to use its influence to help resolve Middle East conflicts and counter terrorism.

Greeting Syria's new ambassador to the Holy See, the pontiff noted repeated papal appeals for cessation of violence in Lebanon, Palestine and in Iraq.

"With a heavy heart, I note that a wide range of disputes have led to armed conflicts that threaten the peace of the entire Middle East," the Pope said.

He told Syria's ambassador that he was heartened by the diplomat's assurances that Damascus is committed to "counter this growing threat to peace."