VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has made a public plea for help for Syrians fleeing civil war so that their survival and dignity are assured.

Francis told a crowd in St. Peter's Square on Sunday that "I am following with strong worry the dramatic fate of the civilian population caught up in the violent combat in Syria and forced to abandon everything to flee the horrors of the war."

He said he hoped that thanks to the world's "generous solidarity" the necessary aid would be given so these refugees' "'survival and dignity" are guaranteed.

The pope also called upon the international community to spare no efforts to revive negotiations to end the war that began in 2011. The latest round of Syrian peace talks recently stalled.