Pope, UN chief discuss Syrian conflict, Korean Peninsula tensions

Pope Francis and UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday discussed the civil war in
Syria and escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
They talked about ``issues of common interest, in particular the conflict situation and serious humanitarian emergency, especially in Syria, and others, like in the Korean Peninsula and conflicts in the African continent,’’ the Holy See said.

Other topics discussed were human trafficking, migration and the problems of refugees.
The pope spoke of the Catholic Church's efforts to promote ``integral human dignity’’ and global reconciliation.
Ban emphasised that the UN and the Holy See share common goals and ideas.
The Holy See has observer status in the UN General Assembly, which allows its representatives to speak at
all UN meetings.
During his visit to Rome, Ban also met President Giorgio Napolitano and outgoing premier Mario Monti.