Pope Francis called Friday for greater humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and surrounding countries

Pope Francis called Friday for greater humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and surrounding countries, after meeting with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman at the Vatican.
  
"The huge number of Syrian refugees who have sought refuge in Lebanon and the neighboring countries gives rise to particular concern," the Vatican said following the talks.
  
"Greater humanitarian aid is called for, for the refugees and the suffering population, with the support of the international community," it said.
 
The United Nations in mid-April said that Lebanon was housing 400,000 Syrians who have fled the conflict now in its third year. Those fleeing war-ravaged Syria included a quarter of a million children, the Vatican noted.
  
At the meeting, the pontiff and Sleiman also discussed the "delicate situation of Christians throughout the Middle East."
  
Francis and Sleiman also discussed their hopes for "the quick and fruitful resumption of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, which is ever more necessary for peace and stability in the region."