Pope Francis today called for peace in Sri Lanka and urged the ruling political leaders to heed the demands of the people. 

“I appeal to all those with responsibilities to listen to the aspirations of the people and to ensure full respect for human rights and civil liberties," the Pope said. 

“I join religious authorities in urging all parties to maintain a peaceful attitude, without yielding to violence” he added. 

Pope Francis turned his thoughts to the South Asian nation while speaking at the Wednesday General Audience.

The Pope said he sends his greeting especially to the “young people who in recent times have made their cry heard in the face of the country's social and economic challenges and problems.

Comments from Pope comes less than 24 hours after Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith condemned the attacks on protesters in front of Temple trees and Galle face on Monday. “The attackers were sent from the Temple Trees to attack the protesters,” he alleged.(Yohan Perera)