In front of thousands packed in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis took to his balcony for his weekly prayer with a heavy heart.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS SAYING:<br/> <br />"The news arriving from Iraq leaves us in disbelief and dismay."<br/> <br />An Islamic State insurgency in northern Iraq has forced thousands to flee for their lives.<br/> <br />The pope says the refugees, including children, Christians and the ancient Yazidi sect, are dying of hunger and thirst.<br/> <br />Meanwhile homes are being destroyed and people massacred.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE FRANCIS, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Women seized; people massacred; violence of every kind; destruction everywhere, destruction of houses and places of religious, historical and cultural heritage. All this seriously offends God and seriously offends humanity."<br/> <br />The Pope also thanked those bringing relief to the victims.<br/> <br />He said he had faith in an eventual political solution there, and is sending a personal envoy to Iraq on Monday.
