Pope Francis demanded urgent action on Wednesday to protect civilians in Iraq, saying forces involved in the battle for Mosul have an obligation to protect innocents following a recent spike in civilian casualties.
Francis issued a special appeal for peace in Iraq at the end of his general audience. He greeted an interfaith group of Iraqis in St Peter's Square, encouraging them in helping Iraq find reconciliation among various ethnic and religious groups.
Pope Francis said that he was particularly concerned about Iraqis trapped by recent fighting to take Mosul back from ISIS militants.
