Pope Francis has taken 12 Syrian refugees, including six children, on his plane heading back to Rome following a visit to the Greek island of Lesbos, the Vatican said. All the asylum seekers rescued by the pontiff are Muslims.

“The Pope has desired to make a gesture of welcome regarding refugees, accompanying on his plane to Rome three families of refugees from Syria, 12 people in all, including six children,” a statement from the Holy See press office said.

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