VATICAN CITY, May 15 (Reuters) - Pope Benedict called for dialogue to prevail over violence in both Libya and Syria on Sunday, denouncing bloodshed and the killing of civilians.
"I am following with grave concern the dramatic conflict in Libya that has caused a high number of victims and suffering, mostly among the civilian population," the Pope said in an address after the Regina Caeli prayer.
"I am renewing a pressing appeal for negotiations and dialogue to prevail over violence," he said.
He also urged Syrian authorities to do everything possible for the common good and pay heed to the "legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability" in the country.
Hundreds of people have been killed in both countries as the authorities have used troops to crack down on anti-government protests inspired by popular uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt that ousted authoritarian leaders. Libya is now effectively in a state of civil war.
(Editing by Elizabeth Fullerton)
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