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Pope Francis prays for Yazidis as Iraqi troops advance in Mosul

May 14, 2017 at 2:07 pm

Pope Francis called attention on Sunday to the plight of people affected by war and conflict in the Middle East as US-backed forces close in on Daesh militants in Iraq.

Francis said after his regular Sunday address in the Vatican:

So many innocent people are being sorely tested, be they Christian, or Muslim, or from minority groups like the Yazidi, who are suffering tragic violence and discrimination

“I encourage the different communities to follow the path of dialogue and friendship, to build a future of respect, security and peace, far from any sort of war.”

UN: Over 630,000 people displaced in Mosul

The battle for Mosul, the densely populated northern Iraqi city that Daesh made its de facto capital, was approaching an end on Sunday after seven months of gruelling combat.

Many Yazidis, whose beliefs combine elements of several Middle Eastern religions, were persecuted and held in Mosul by Daesh, which considered them devil-worshippers.

Read: Iraqi forces attack Daesh in Mosul as battle approaches endgame