Pope Francis' moving appeal for Mosul

'[T]his cruelty makes us weep, leaving us without words.'

ISIS fighters continue to defend their stronghold in Mosul, while its citizens slowly die of hunger, the war and more.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis got word of the ongoing fight between Iraqi forces and ISIS Jihads.

During his Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis made an appeal for the safety of Mosul's citizens.

He told the audience of roughly 50,000 gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer: "In these dramatic hours, I am close to the entire population of Iraq, especially that of the city of Mosul.

"Our hearts are shocked by the heinous acts of violence that for too long have been perpetrated against innocent citizens: whether they be Muslims, whether they be Christians, or people belonging to other ethnic groups and religions."

Pope Francis continued, explaining: "I was saddened to hear news of the killing - in cold blood - of many sons and daughters of that beloved land, including many children: this cruelty makes us weep, leaving us without words.

"...Along with this word of solidarity goes assurance of my remembrance in prayer so that Iraq, while gravely stricken, might be both strong and firm in the hope of moving toward a future of security, reconciliation and peace."

Pope Francis concluded with an invitation to recite the Ave Maria.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi army continues its efforts to retake Mosul and free her citizens.

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