![Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Syrian President Basahr al-Assad as he leaves Syria for Malta May 8, 2001. Pope John Paul's II ended a three-day historical visit to Syria in Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Syrian President Basahr al-Assad as he leaves Syria for Malta May 8, 2001. Pope John Paul's II ended a three-day historical visit to Syria in](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2D4C96R/pope-john-paul-ii-shakes-hands-with-syrian-president-basahr-al-assad-as-he-leaves-syria-for-malta-may-8-2001-pope-john-pauls-ii-ended-a-three-day-historical-visit-to-syria-in-the-steps-of-st-paul-the-apostle-pilgrimage-jdfms-2D4C96R.jpg)
Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Syrian President Basahr al-Assad as he leaves Syria for Malta May 8, 2001. Pope John Paul's II ended a three-day historical visit to Syria in
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Pope Francis writes Syrian President Bashar Assad, urging him to protect civilians, seek peace - The Dialog
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Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma attend the funeral of Pope John-Paul II joining more than two million mourners including royalty and political power brokers on St Peter's Square
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President al-Assad receives letter from Pope Francis reiterating support for restoring stability in Syria – Syrian Arab News Agency
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Photo: POPE JOHN PAUL II AND SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR AL-ASSAD WAVE TO SUPPORTING CHILDREN - - UPI.com
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