Pope Francis on Sunday called for a united response to help flows of people into Europe fleeing war and urged European countries struggling with the migrant crisis to “share the burden fairly”.

Addressing crowds in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, the pontiff hail the generous help provided by Greece and other countries on the front line, saying the situation “required cooperation among all nations”.

“Greece and other countries on the front line are giving these people generous help, which needs the collaboration of all countries. A response in unison could be effective and distribute the load fairly,” the pontiff said.
“To do this, we need to push decisively and unreservedly in negotiations,” he added.

Pope Francis also welcomed the cessation of hostilities deal in Syria saying that “I have greeted with hope the news about a stop to hostilities in Syria, and I invite everyone to pray that this glimmer can give relief to the suffering population, enable necessary humanitarian aid and open the way to dialogue and longed-for peace.”