Pope Francis calls for peaceful end to the Niger crisis

Pope Francis delivers his blessing as he recites the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter’s Square (Andrew Medichini/AP/PA)

Pope Francis expressed hope on Sunday for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Niger following the military coup in the West African nation.

The pontiff told the faithful in St Peter’s Square that he is following events with concern, joining an appeal “for peace in the country and stability in the Sahel region”.