Pope Francis has called on the Syrian rebels who toppled the Assad regime to stabilise the country and govern in a way that will “promote the stability and unity of the country”.

“I pray that the Syrian people may live in peace and security in their beloved land and the different religions may walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of that nation afflicted by so many years of war,” he said during his weekly audience at the Vatican.

Muslims make up about 90% of Syria’s population. 

The Vatican estimates there are around 300,000 Catholics among a population of some 25 million.