Pope Francis Calls for Dialogue and Non-Violence Amid Ongoing Protests in Belarus

Pope Francis has called for respect for justice and people's rights in Belarus amid ongoing protests following the presidential elections held on August 9. According to Reuters, the Pope made this statement during his Sunday address in St. Peter's Square.

"I call for dialogue, the abandonment of violence, and respect for justice and rights," the Pope stated. He also expressed that his thoughts are with the "beloved Belarus" and that he is closely following the situation in the country after the presidential elections.

The Pope further mentioned that he continues to pray for Lebanon, where dozens have died following a devastating explosion that occurred in the capital, Beirut, on the evening of August 4.

It is worth noting that since the presidential elections on August 9, protests have been ongoing in Belarus, with participants expressing their dissatisfaction with the election results that declared incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko the winner with 80 percent of the vote. According to official data, more than 6,700 people were arrested in the early days of the protests. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that hundreds were injured during the unrest, including more than 120 law enforcement officials, and one protester has been killed.