"God willing, within few hours we will enter and secure the town," one officer told Syrian TV.

Likes millions of refugees around the world, Hassan packed up his family to flee violence and to try to find a safe place where his children could grow and thrive.

Two plaintiffs appealed the case in the court of public opinion and hinted that a political solution might be their ultimate redress.

"It is time for some of our leadership in the Catholic Church to take a stronger stand with the Cuban government and demand more."

The pope "entrusts to God's mercy those who died and, in prayer, he shares the pain of their loved ones," the message said.

"In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity."