Pope Francis called for establishing peace in Syria through dialogue, and for backing international efforts to organize the international conference to solve the crisis there.

AFP quoted Pope Francis as saying during a meeting of Catholic charitable organizations on Wednesday ''In the face of ongoing and overwhelming violence, I strongly renew my appeal for peace."

"In recent weeks the international community has reaffirmed its intention to promote concrete initiatives to bring about a fruitful dialogue designed to bring an end to the war. These initiatives are to be encouraged, and it is hoped that they will lead to peace,'' Pope Francis added.

The Pope expressed the Holy See's concern over the people who are suffering due to the armed acts, reminding of Former Pope Benedict's call for dialogue and ending violence to solve the crisis.

The Pope also said that "the destiny of the Syrian people is a concern that is close to my heart,'' stressing the important role of the catholic charitable organizations which are delivering humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, mainly the refugees in nearby countries.

"My thoughts at this moment also go to the Christian communities who live in Syria and throughout the Middle East," the Pope said, adding ''the Church supports the members of these communities who today find themselves in special difficulty.''