Pope Francis reiterated his opposition to the US-led strike against Syria and denounced the "trade war" phenomenon which has recently pervaded, calling on the leaders to pursue a political solution for the crisis.

Pope Francis reiterated his opposition to the US-led strike against Syria and denounced the "trade war" phenomenon which has recently pervaded, calling on the leaders to pursue a political solution for the crisis.

"Violence and war lead only to death, they speak of death! Violence and war are the language of death!" Francis addressed the Christians in St Peter's Square.

"We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves. As if it were normal, we continue to sow destruction, pain, death!" said Francis. 

Francis, who two days ago branded a military solution in Syria "a futile pursuit," led a global day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria, the Middle East and the world.