Military solution in Syria would be futile, Pope tells Putin

Pope Francis, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the G20 conference, on Thursday urged world leaders to "lay aside the futile pursuit of a military solution" in Syria.

"Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination, a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported by the international community," the pope said in the letter. (Reuters)