While reiterating that the killings must stop, the bishops warned that the leaders did not know how to make peace, were confused, traumatized and feared peace.
The bishops condemned the "bloody violence" used by government security forces to suppress marches by mostly Catholic protesters on Dec. 31 and Jan. 21
As Syria's war soon enters its eighth year, the conflict is escalating in the country's north, between Turkey and the Kurds, and in the south, between Iran and Israel.
Bishop Kang believes the upcoming Winter Olympics in Korea and the surprise decision of officials in the North to allow North Korean athletes to participate offers a small opening for progress.