Vatican City, Oct 11, 2014 / 03:35 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Synod of Bishops on Friday denounced “barbaric” violence in the Middle East, saying the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt offers a sign of hope and reconciliation for all families suffering due to armed conflict.

“We join with the Holy Father Francis in emphasizing that no one may use the name of God to commit violence, and that to kill in the name of God is a grave sacrilege,” the Oct. 10 message read.