Pope Francis on Saturday called for an urgent end to the war in Syria and peace between the Palestinians and Israelis, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

"We should not forget the pains of the brotherly Syrians who suffer from war and its consequences for three years now. The war should come to an end," the Pope said during a visit to the Baptism site in Jordan, which is the first leg of his three-day tour that also includes the Palestinian territories and Israel.

The Pope called for more support to Jordan as the country is hosting more than 600,000 Syrian refugees, according to official statistics.

Earlier on Saturday the Pope met with King Abdullah II of Jordan. The latter said the Pope's visit is an important step towards strengthening the ties, enhancing tolerance between Muslims and Christians, and promoting peace.

It is vital that Jordan and the Vatican continue to work together to address the Syrian crisis and reduce the suffering of the Syrian refugees, the king said, reassuring the need to end the bloodshed in Syria through a political solution.

He also voiced the need for the Vatican's support to help the Palestinians and Israelis find a solution to their decades of conflict. Endi

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