Pope on reported gas attack in Syria: Nothing can justify use of ‘instruments of extermination’

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the reported chemical attack in Syria, condemning the use of “instruments of extermination.”

“There is no such thing as a good war and a bad war. Nothing, but nothing, can justify the use of such instruments of extermination on defenseless people and populations,” the Catholic leader said during Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, according to Reuters.

{mosads}Francis went on to push political and military leaders to “choose another path, that of negotiations, which is the only one that can bring about peace and not death and destruction.”

Dozens of Syrian civilians were killed on Saturday in an alleged chemical weapons attack in a rebel-held city. 

Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government has denied involvement. 

President Trump blamed Syria and “backing” by Russia and Iran in a tweet on Sunday morning. 

Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018

….to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert separately called for Russia to end its support for Assad’s government. 

“The United States calls on Russia to end this unmitigated support immediately and work with the international community to prevent further, barbaric chemical weapons attacks,” Nauert said.